By Omonu YG Nelson
The Togolese delegation to the ECOWAS Parliament, on Tuesday, December 5 presented its country report on the political, economic, social and security situation in the country. The report, which was presented on Tuesday, December 5 at the ongoing Second Ordinary Session of the Parliament in Abuja, Nigeria, highlights the progress made by Togo in various sectors.
On the political front, the report notes that Togo is continuing its democratic march within a framework of inclusive and permanent dialogue aimed at preserving peace, social cohesion and harmony. The political situation in the country has remained calm, stable and peaceful, from the beginning of 2023 till date. Political actors have continued to carry out their activities within the Permanent Consultative Framework (CPC) adopted since January 2022 with a view to improving the organization of legislative and regional elections. The electoral registration which began by 29 April 2023, ended on 14 June.
The report acknowledges that the global security atmosphere remains unstable, volatile and unpredictable. The sub-regional security situation is characterised by new challenges. The emergence and expansion of terrorism in the Sahel countries and the determination of armed groups to expand their areas of activity towards the countries of the Gulf of Guinea remain a major concern. In addition to this, national and transnational organised crime continues to evolve in a variety of ways.
According to the report, Togo continues to make every effort to guarantee human rights. Human rights are sacred, guaranteed and protected under the provisions of our fundamental laws and all the regional and international legal instruments to which Togo is a party.
In the health sector, the report notes that Government of Togo is firmly committed to improving the living environment and health of the population by modernizing health care facilities and through various programs and actions.
On the implementation of ECOWAS texts, the report highlights Togo’s commitment to fulfilling its obligations under various ECOWAS texts, including the Protocol on Community Levy (CL), the Protocol on Free Movement of Persons and Goods, and the Supplementary Act on the Equality of Rights between Men and Women for Sustainable Development in the ECOWAS Region.
The report concluded that Togo remains committed to regional integration and free movement of people and goods. “The country will spare no effort in achieving an ECOWAS of the peoples, an ECOWAS that is economically strong and fully integrated,” the report says.
The Togolese delegation’s report was well-received by the Parliament, with many members commending Togo’s progress in various sectors. The Parliament also urged Togo to continue its efforts to address the challenges it faces, including terrorism and insecurity.
In retrospect, the ECOWAS Parliament, also known as the Community Parliament, is one of the Institutions of ECOWAS. It is the Assembly of Peoples of the Community serving as a forum for dialogue, consultation and consensus for Representatives of the people of West Africa with the aim of promoting integration. It was established under Articles 6 and 13 of the ECOWAS Revised Treaty of 1993.
The initial Protocol establishing the Parliament was signed in Abuja on August 6, 1994. It provided for the Structure, Composition, Competence and other matters relating to the Parliament. The Parliament is composed of one hundred and fifteen (115) seats. Each Member State shall have a guaranteed minimum of five (5) seats. The remaining forty (40) seats shall be shared on the basis of population.
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