Togo/Transitional justice: Under the leadership of the President of the Republic, the HCRRUN plans to rename streets and public squares

As part of its mission to foster reconciliation and national unity, the High Commission for Reconciliation and Strengthening National Unity (HCRRUN) is planning to rename streets and public squares across Togo.

This initiative marks a new chapter in the country’s reparations process, following financial compensation, medical-psychological support, and collective and individual measures already implemented.

Backed by President Faure Gnassingbé, the HCRRUN is tasked with implementing recommendations from the Truth, Justice, and Reconciliation Commission (CVJR).

A preparatory meeting recently brought together key stakeholders, including local elected officials, traditional chiefs, members of state institutions, civil society representatives, and government ministers.

The aim is to collaboratively develop a consensual list of historical figures and events to be commemorated, fostering reconciliation and national cohesion.

This initiative seeks to honor significant yet often overlooked historical and political figures while redefining key dates to commemorate major events in Togo’s socio-political history between 1958 and 2005.

The effort is also intended to strengthen unity and pass on a shared memory to future generations.

Since its inception, the HCRRUN has compensated nearly 30,000 victims of socio-political violence.

According to Awa Nana-Daboya, the commission’s president and national mediator, this new phase represents a critical step in shaping a unified national memory.

« Future generations must read Togo’s history and see names like Tavio Amorin engraved on monuments, » she emphasized.

The Togolese government remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering lasting peace and social cohesion within the country, with this initiative serving as a vital component of that effort.

Kodjovi Makafui