New members of the Local Peace Committees (LPC) installed and trained for the national cause

The High Commission for Reconciliation and Strengthening of National Unity (HCRRUN) proceeded, on June 13, 14, and 15, 2023, in Lomé, with the installation and training of new members of the Local Peace Committees (LPCs). The opening ceremony, chaired by the President of the institution, Ms. Awa Nana-Daboya, was attended by several dignitaries and guests.

The role played by LPC members since 2017 within Togolese communities remains significant and widely appreciated. They serve as endogenous mechanisms for conflict prevention and the preservation and promotion of peace. As partners of the HCRRUN, members of the Local Peace Committees contribute to the implementation of the reparation programme and the recommendations of the CVJR. In this regard, the renewal of their membership and the strengthening of their capacities have become necessary in view of the challenges encountered in the field following the adoption of the transitional justice process.

Over the course of three days, the 273 LPC members were introduced to various topics, including the transitional justice process in Togo, an overview of the work of the CVJR, the origins and mandate of the HCRRUN, and the fundamental roles and responsibilities of the LPCs, as well as the expectations of the HCRRUN. Participants also received training on the prevention and management of community conflicts, negotiation and mediation in community conflicts, and violent extremism, with a particular focus on the role of LPCs in combating this phenomenon and their contribution to peaceful elections.

“The political vision of the President of the Republic, centred on the obligation to achieve results, requires all state administrations and institutions to continuously reassess their means of action in order to improve their performance. It is with this in mind that, after several years of collaboration and through an inclusive process involving you, Ladies and Gentlemen, the HCRRUN initiated an assessment of your structures in 2022, which led to their restructuring in 2023. It should be recalled that this assessment and the resulting restructuring were necessary not only because of the dysfunctions observed within certain LPCs, but also because of the emergence of new threats such as terrorism and violent extremism,” emphasized the President of the HCRRUN, Ms. Awa Nana-Daboya, in her opening remarks.

She explained that the main objective of this initiative is to revitalize the LPCs and enable them to provide more effective support to local communities in preventing and managing community conflicts, building peace, and strengthening national unity.

Addressing the issue directly, the President of the HCRRUN stressed that, in the face of the new context marked by terrorism and violent extremism, which calls for a new form of relationship between the defence and security forces and the population, Togolese citizens must contribute to strengthening the coherence of government efforts through informed cooperation aimed at countering these threats.

The installation ceremony for the members of the Local Peace Committees ☮️ was marked by the presentation of sashes to each member, followed by practical guidance and valuable advice from the former Prime Minister and Special Advisor to the HCRRUN, Me Joseph Kokou Koffigoh.