Togo

Please provide us with your views on the state of peace in the country you will represent at the One Young World Summit

Togo is a West African developing country, with an estimated population of 7.6 million in 2016, 60% of whom are under 25 and 51.4% are female. A former french colony, Togo gained independence on April 27 1960 and since then has secured membership of many international organizations, including the United Nations Organization, African Union and ECOWAS. Even though Togo is often cited as a good example in matters of peace and security, there is a silent conflict that could degenerate at any time which is that the country fails to comply with democratic ideals, namely the presidential term limitation and the adoption of a two-round election system, both stated in the 1992 Constitution but have never taken effect because it was amended in 2002 by the ruling party. This causes the opposing political parties, along with some civil society organizations, to organize frequent political demonstrations to demand the enforcement of the 1992 Constitution. These demonstrations are often violent and cause many deaths. The recent demonstrations delayed the organization of legislative elections that were initially scheduled for July 2018. The protagonists of conflict in Togo are currently having a dialogue under ECOWAS mediation, to definitively settle the issue of political reforms.

How do you think your work and/or activism contribute to countering violent extremism and a sustainable peace?

I am engaged with the Togo National Youth Council and I have been working for many years to empower young people to counter violent extremism and sustainable peacebuilding. My actions include strengthening the capacity of youth organizations and local communities, in order to maintain peace and social cohesion ; advocating for a dialogue between the government and civil society, mainly youth organizations. I have been also working to establish and support local peacebuilding committees in different communities and schools for field actions to consolidate peace and social cohesion, focusing on youth citizen participation. I have helped to raise awareness among young people and to encourage them to reject religious indoctrination, radicalization and political manipulation and to avoid the spreading of fake news via social media. Through our awareness-raising initiatives on illegal migration, an intrinsic cause of violent extremism and on peace and security, we have been able to positively change the mindset of thousands of vulnerable young men and women. Today, many of them have a clear understanding of the danger associated with political and religious violence, extremist group indoctrinations, illegal migration and political manipulation. So, through advocacy, awareness-raising and capacity-building, we contribute to countering violent extremism and establishing sustainable peace.