ACP-EU JOINT PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY

ASSEMBLÉE PARLEMENTAIRE PARITAIRE ACP-UE

Fact-finding and study mission

14.5.2019

MISSION REPORT

of the fact-finding and study mission from 31 March to 2 April 2019 in Lomé (Togo)

Bureau of the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly

Members of the mission Louis Michel (Co-Chair of the delegation, European Parliament, ALDE) Lucie Milebou-Aubusson (Acting Co-Chair, Vice-President, Gabon) Cécile Kashetu Kyenge (European Parliament, S&D) Michael Gahler (European Parliament, EPP) Adjedoue Weidou (Chad, Vice-President) Léon-Alfred Opimbat (Republic of Congo)

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1. Introduction

The ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly (JPA) sent a fact-finding and study mission to Lomé, Togo, from 31 March to 2 April 2019. The mission’s objective was to check the progress being made by the government towards democratisation following the difficult political situation of the last 18 months, which has been the subject of much debate in the European Parliament. The mission took place within the framework of Article 8 of the Cotonou Partnership Agreement.

The members of the mission (‘the mission’) met in Lomé with all the relevant stakeholders. During their meetings, the latter expressed very clearly their views on the various aspects of the political situation in Togo, such as defining who the stakeholders should be and how representative they should be, the violence during the demonstrations, freedom of expression and assembly, the implementation of the ECOWAS roadmap and its recommendations, the parliamentary, presidential and local elections, responsibility towards Togolese exiles and the measures planned for their return and the socio-economic situation.

It should be noted that the mission invited all relevant stakeholders, both political and social, to the meetings. It particularly appreciated that no objections were raised to the choice of persons to be met and that there were no obstacles preventing a meeting from being held.

The members of the mission thank the Togolese authorities, the National Assembly of Togo and the European Union Delegation for their invaluable support, for their hospitality and for the excellent arrangements they made for the mission’s smooth functioning. They also thank all their interlocutors for their accessibility and candour, which contributed greatly to the success of the mission.

2. Meetings

Meeting with Komi Selom Klassou, Prime Minister, and Robert Dussey, Minister for Foreign Affairs (Primature)

Prime Minister Klassou invited the EU to continue to support Togo in its transition towards a state governed by the rule of law to place it in a better position to tackle the challenges it faces. He regards the EU as the country’s main partner in the implementation of the National Development Plan (NDP), which seeks to combat poverty through inclusive and shared development.

As regards the violence witnessed on both sides during the demonstrations, Prime Minister Klassou recalled that in October 2017 he had already provided answers during his visit to the European Parliament. He pointed out that, with a law that it passed in 2004, Togo became the first country in sub-Saharan Africa to decriminalise press offences, that the country has a thriving print and audio-visual press and that the freedom of assembly and of peaceful and public protest is governed by Law 2011-010/PR of 10 May 2011. Finally, he recalled that Togo, as a member of the UN Human Rights Council, wants to lead by example with regard to respect for human rights.

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As regards the ECOWAS roadmap, Prime Minister Klassou pointed out that Togo is honouring its commitments and implementing the roadmap, in particular as regards the parliamentary elections held on 20 December 2018. He lamented that, despite the efforts of the government, part of the opposition chose not to participate in those elections. He informed the mission that local elections would be held later in the year, followed by the presidential elections in 2020. In that context, he stressed that the members of the new Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had recently been sworn in.

He emphasised the development of democracy, which is reflected in particular in the pluralistic composition of the ‘National Council for the Monitoring of Decentralisation’, set up in 2017 and chaired by the Prime Minister himself (members of the government, members of the opposition, including its leader, representatives of civil society and traditional chiefs, academics and the ambassadors of the EU, France and Germany). The National Council has discussed, in particular, the structure and number of decentralised entities: 5 economic regions, 39 prefectures comprising between 2 and 4 municipalities depending on demography and area. The 117 municipalities are set to have 1526 local elected representatives after the local elections, the first to be held since 1987.

On the question of exiles, the Prime Minister responded that some have chosen to remain outside the country, but their return is in the interest of the country as Togo needs to draw on all its strengths to implement the National Development Plan. This is an ambitious goal and is based on three pillars:

 development of the logistics hub for the sub-region starting at the port of Lomé;

 development of hubs of excellence for manufacturing, agriculture and mining.

 strengthening socio-economic inclusion mechanisms.

Apart from the NDP (2018-2022), the reforms already undertaken continue to bear fruit, in particular the stabilisation of the macroeconomic framework, the consolidation of public finances through the setting up of the Togolese Office for Revenue, and the fight against corruption. Average growth over the past eight years has been 5% and could rise to 7.6% thanks to the NDP.

Commenting on the demonstrations on 19 August 2017, the Prime Minister believed that they did not have a peaceful aim, but instead sought to overthrow the established order. Those demonstrations also hit the economy hard.

As a result of those demonstrations, an observation mechanism has been put in place to manage them. It consists not only of police and security officers, but also of representatives of civil society and foreign legations. It makes it possible to better identify those responsible in the event of provocation by demonstrators and/or excessive use of force by law enforcement services. This mechanism has a deterrent effect on both sides.

On a question concerning those detained following the demonstrations, the Prime Minister confirmed that the overwhelming majority had been released, either following a court ruling, or through presidential pardon as part of the de-escalation measures. Only those who have committed serious crimes or in respect of whom an appeal is pending remain in prison.

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Meeting with Yawa Jigbodi Tsegan, President of the National Assembly

The mission was received and had an exchange of views with the new President of the National Assembly (NA) as well as a number of the members of the parliamentary majority and opposition sitting in the Bureau. The President explained how the NA functions and its priorities over the coming months.

The Bureau of the NA was elected on 23 January 2019 immediately following the elections of 20 December 2018. Nine standing committees will be set up at the start of the parliamentary session on 2 April and certain committees will be chaired by the opposition. Where that is not the case, the vice-chair will come from the opposition party.

At the outset the President addressed the issue of demonstrations and in particular those that took place on 19 August 2017. She took the view that the radical opposition had no intention of demonstrating peacefully, but, rather, sought to undermine the State by attacking civilians and law enforcement personnel and by destroying property. In addition, the opposition aimed to organise its demonstrations simultaneously in several towns across the country, fully aware that the police were too thin on the ground to cover all of them.

On a question concerning electoral law and the drawing up of constituency boundaries, she informed the mission that revision of this area of electoral law was not currently on the agenda. By contrast, once the standing committees have been set up, the Law Commission will revisit the issue of reforms with a view to implementing ECOWAS’s recommendations, in particular by putting in place a two-round voting system for the presidential elections and limiting presidents to two terms of five years. Changes will also to be made within the Constitutional Court and all of its members will be limited to a maximum of two terms of six years. Lastly, the new composition of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) needs to be adopted (5 seats for the majority, 5 seats for the opposition, 3 seats for non-parliamentary parties, 3 seats for civil society and 1 seat for the administration).

In response to a question regarding the boycott of the parliamentary elections by part of the opposition, the President of the NA explained that the C14 coalition comprises only 14 out of 105 political parties. She added that that coalition, which held three of the 17 seats in the INEC, was demanding eight. She described how the boycott of the census led to a boycott of the elections on two separate occasions. In response to the intransigence of the C14 coalition, ECOWAS supported the continuation of the electoral process without said coalition.

Meeting with the Ambassadors of the EU, the United Nations and the United States

Bruno Hanses, Interim Chargé d’Affaires of the EU, Christoph Sander, German Ambassador, Marc Vizy, French Ambassador, Xavier Leblanc, Belgian Ambassador to Togo, Michael DeTar, Interim Chargé d’Affaires of the United States, and Damien Mama, United Nations Resident Coordinator

The two other members of the G5 in Togo, namely the United Nations and the United States, participated in the meeting initially planned with EU ambassadors. The ambassadors expressed

AP102.869v01-00 4/16 CR\1181913EN.docx EN their support for the facilitation efforts of Ghana, Guinea-Bissau and then ECOWAS, in particular through political declarations and the financing of certain measures. In particular, support has been provided for electoral experts, the functioning of the INEC, the audit of the electoral roll by ECOWAS and a constitutional expert.

In spite of the support for these accompanying measures with a view to a way out of the crisis, it has not been possible to convince the radical opposition to become part of a democratic process that requires compromises. Despite the fact that this fringe of the opposition has ruled itself out, the ambassadors recommended that the electoral roll be reopened before the local elections, in order to ensure inclusive elections in June and in spring 2020 in the presidential elections. Municipal elections are an opportunity not to be missed to firmly root the legitimacy of the elections and to channel aspirations. The country will go from having 92 elected representatives to more than 1500.

The ambassadors also reported on the August 2017 demonstrations during which there was excessive use of force, including on the part of the police and the army; the army was not trained to contain a peaceful protest. However, since mid-2018, notable progress has been seen on the part of the police and the gendarmerie.

As for the people arrested during the demonstrations, following the latest releases there are still some 40 people in detention. The main concern of the ambassadors was the length of that detention.

The ambassadors were hopeful that, with the opening of the new National Assembly, significant progress could be made with regard to institutional and constitutional reforms, especially thanks to the majority that has been in place since the elections in December 2018 and the prospect of obtaining the required 80% threshold. Therefore, there will be no more excuses for delays to the promised reforms, which are highly-awaited by the people. The stability of the country will depend on how quickly the reforms can be implemented. This stability is needed to develop a growth economy throughout the country. The degree of public acceptance of President Gnassingbé’s policies will depend on how successful that is.

Meeting with political parties represented in the National Assembly

Mémounata Ibrahima and Kokkou Eké Hodin (Union pour la République — UNIR), Sena Alipui (Union des Forces du Changement — UFC), Gerry Taama and Innocent Kagbara (parliamentary group Nouvel Engagement Togolais/Parti Démocratique Panafricain — NET/PDP), and Esther Ayelé Gabiam and Pacôme Addayvai (independent members).

For some interlocutors, the 2018 and 2019 demonstrations were much more peaceful and controlled than those in 2017, which were marred by excessive use of force. They accuse the parties of the radical opposition of seeking to take power by force, through insurgent activity and demonstrations aimed at provoking the authorities. They also accuse them of refusing constructive dialogue by imposing unacceptable preconditions, such as the departure of the President of the Republic.

One of the problems of the current system is the absence of an electoral threshold, which allows

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parties with a single candidate to stand for election. In addition, measures are needed to develop a culture of democracy within the political parties.

One of the interlocutors noted that the average turnout over the past 15 years was around 60 to 65% of eligible voters. The turnout of 60% in the 20 December 2018 elections shows the weakness of the radical opposition, which boycotted the elections.

Most interlocutors agreed that voting on constitutional and institutional reforms, as proposed by ECOWAS, must be prioritised. Next, the establishment of the INEC and a decision on the time frame for the electoral process for the local elections will complement the institutional component which must lead to stability. Finally, the National Development Plan (NDP) will have to be implemented. Stability can be achieved only with constructive dialogue. The challenge lies in the lack of roots of a democratic culture, for which the support of the international community is needed.

All agreed that in order to increase the legitimacy of local elections, it will be necessary to ensure the widest possible participation and therefore to reopen the electoral roll.

Some highlighted improving the living conditions of the population as the number one priority, in particular by investing in health, agriculture, livestock farming, fisheries and processing products locally. They argued that many Togolese are turned off by petty political quarrelling. A climate of trust must be created.

Meeting with the extra-parliamentary opposition

Brigitte Adjamagbo-Johnson (CDPA), Paul Apevon (FDR), Komi Wolu (PSR) and N’Wakin Targone Scambiri (DSA) (Coalition), Jean-Pierre Fabre and Patrick Lawson-Banku (Alliance Nationale pour le Changement – ANC), Chatikpi Ouro-Djibkpa (Parti National Panafricain – PNP), and Jean Kissi (Comité d'Action pour le Renouveau – CAR).

The President of the ANC explained why the C14 coalition had called for a boycott of the census for the parliamentary elections: he recalled that the country had been in crisis for decades as a result of the seizing of power. He referred to commitments that were not honoured, including the 22 commitments to the EU of 4 April 2004. The crisis culminated in the demonstrations on 19 August 2017. According to him, the opposition had endorsed the ECOWAS roadmap, but it was not respected, hence the call for a boycott, which is reported to have been very successful. He questioned the willingness of the government to implement the required reforms. Consequently, he felt that, for this to materialise, it was necessary to continue to demonstrate. He did not accept the distribution of seats on the INEC and demanded eight of the 17 seats for the extra-parliamentary parties.

The CAR representative cited the events that had followed the 2005 Comprehensive Political Agreement by way of justification for opposition and requested that a framework for direct dialogue be put in place. In respect of the boycott, he added that the time frame for the electoral process was not known until just before the census; this did not allow for proper preparation.

The representatives of the FDR and the CDPA claimed that the recommendations of the report

AP102.869v01-00 6/16 CR\1181913EN.docx EN commissioned by ECOWAS had not been not fully complied with and that the electoral expert’s reports and the audit of the electoral roll had not been communicated to the opposition parties (which ECOWAS contested). They would have liked the reforms to have been in place before the parliamentary elections, which was the reason behind the boycott.

Another interlocutor stated that 104 people are still being detained and have been in prison since the demonstrations began in August 2017.

When a member of the mission (ACP) expressed concern about the intransigent language of the interlocutors, the refusal by the President of the Republic to enter into dialogue was cited in response.

Meeting with Garba LOMPO (Permanent Representative of ECOWAS in Togo) and Olusola Iji, Ambassador of Nigeria (ECOWAS rotating presidency)

The ECOWAS presidency clarified the process and dynamic in which the government and radical opposition had been engaged since November 2018 and its own role as a facilitator. He explained that, initially, the radical opposition wanted the reforms to be implemented before the elections. However, after negotiation, it agreed to participate in the elections and to vote on the reforms thereafter.

The absence of an electoral calendar on the eve of the census was the basis for the decision to boycott the census. The second boycott, which was put in place for three days when the electoral roll was reopened, was justified on the ground that the radical opposition had not been part of the INEC as previously constituted.

Reforms are urgent and need to be implemented before the municipal elections to avoid a chaotic situation once again. The composition of the INEC remains a problem that needs to be addressed.

With regard to the presidential elections, the radical opposition wanted to revert to the former constitution of 1992. However, in the view of the ECOWAS facilitators, any changes must pertain to the current constitution, which was amended in accordance with the law and is in force.

The ECOWAS representative in Togo added that the C14 coalition accused ECOWAS of not respecting its own agreement. That representative noted that the facilitation role does not strip the government of its sovereign powers and that the roadmap reflects a spirit of mutual respect and compromise. ECOWAS has done its utmost to create a climate of trust between the government and the C14 coalition, even though there are 114 political parties. As a result of mediation, provision was made for an additional period to allow those who had participated in the boycott to register on the electoral roll nonetheless. The C14 coalition had requested that the elections be postponed for one to two years instead of calling on its members to register for the voting lists and did not specify what should happen during that period, other than the resignation of the President. ECOWAS criticised the C14 coalition for its ‘hardline attitude’.

On the matter of the reports, the two ECOWAS representatives’ position was unequivocal: the

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election expert’s report and the electoral roll audit of the electoral roll were handed over to all political parties, and are public documents.

Meeting with Faure Gnassingbé, President of the Republic

The President of the Republic received the full delegation and replied openly to all the questions raised, even if he was somewhat surprised that the European Parliament was considering the adoption of an urgent resolution on his country. He encouraged the sending of fact-finding missions in a more systematic way.

He regretted the loss of human life and the loss of economic growth of almost 1% during the political crisis of the last two years and thanked ECOWAS for its constructive mediation. He acknowledged that he would have dissolved the National Assembly before the end of its term if the country had had strong institutions, but in this instance there had been a combined political and institutional crisis.

According to the President, following the ECOWAS roadmap the parliamentary elections took place under the best possible conditions, especially given the opposition to any realistic solution on the part of C14 coalition, and in spite of the support provided by ECOWAS. Over the next two months the new National Assembly will have to debate and vote on the institutional and constitutional reforms to ensure they are implemented rapidly.

The President also presented the National Development Plan (NDP) 2018-2022, which is based on three pillars. The strengthening of the road infrastructure and the construction of logistics parks are intended to turn the port of Lomé into a regional logistics hub. The development of a processing industry together with the modernisation of agriculture will create jobs for young people. Finally, the mining potential, especially of phosphates, requires modern production facilities and local processing into finished products. The President has asked the EU to support the implementation of the NDP.

In response to questions from the members of the mission, the President explained that, in order not to exclude certain minorities, the constituency boundaries do not take into account solely the area and number of voters. He also commented on the case of François Boko, which had made the headlines.

Finally, the President expressed his concerns about internal security in Togo, which could rapidly deteriorate as a result of the external threat from the Sahel.

Meeting with Gilbert Bawara, Minister for the Civil Service, Payadowa Boukpessi, Minister for Territorial Administration, Pius Agbetomey, Minister for Justice, Christian Trimua, Minister for Human Rights, and a representative of General Yark Damehane, Minister for Security and Civil Protection

The ministers recalled that the parliamentary elections have been validated by ECOWAS and the African Union.

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As regards the 22 commitments made in 2005 to the EU, the ministers regarded them as having been implemented. By contrast, the violence perpetrated by demonstrators on 19 August 2017 gave rise to a new political chapter, since it amounted to an insurgency rather than a peaceful protest. Criminal prosecutions are ongoing for murder, theft of weapons, and arson.

While the opposition has called for the release of all detainees as a ‘de-escalation’ measure, the President has pardoned a large number of convicted persons. The release of all detainees is not possible in legal terms due to ongoing (appeal) procedures, and is probably not desirable as regards those detained for the most serious offences. A serious offence cannot go unpunished.

The ministers explained in detail the background to the attempts to reform the Constitution since August 2017. The new National Assembly is to address this issue from the start of the parliamentary session on 2 April 2019, using the current state of play as a basis and acting in accordance with the ECOWAS roadmap. Changes include a two-round presidential election, presidential terms limited to two five-year periods and a reorganisation of the Constitutional Court.

In view of the elections, the ministers also confirmed that a revision of the electoral roll on the basis of an additional census would have to be carried out in May 2019 for the local elections scheduled for June 2019 and for the 2020 presidential elections.

Ministers announced that an evaluation would be made of the mechanism for observing demonstrations (which includes the participation of civil society) in April/May 2019 by the Supreme Court, with a view to improving it. A statute to protect human rights defenders will also be adopted.

The representative of the Minister for Security and Civil Protection confirmed that the mechanism for observing demonstrations, which has been in force for a year, and which involves civil society and foreign legations, has borne fruit.

The Minister for Human Rights allayed the concerns of the members regarding freedom of the press. First, press offences have been abolished in Togo. Second, a number of bodies ensure that freedom of the press is respected: the High Audio-Visual Authority on the government side, but also the Togolese Media Observatory, which is part of civil society. Second, even on the State’s radio (2) and TV (1) channels, opposition parties are invited on to programmes and may speak freely. He maintained that there are no journalists in prison in Togo for simply doing their job.

Meeting with the African Network of Female Ministers and Parliamentarians (REFAMP-TG)

Baloukina-Eza Nimon Batchoni, Devide Trenou, Pumong Wuinekoutouma Arzouma- Kpakpabia, Larba Afojak, Akowswa Tchohlo, Ebenina Ilouje-Munbambi and Monyeme Batengue.

Created in 1994, REFAMP-TG currently covers 23 countries. The Togolese network has existed since 1999.

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These former ministers and parliamentarians explained that peace was necessary to work towards development and that women are the first to bear the brunt of conflict. They agreed that political actors must agree on a constructive compromise, but that a minimum of mutual trust is needed for this to materialise. Women can play a positive role or act as an interface in seeking this trust.

They confirmed that freedom of expression is not an issue in Togo.

They recognised that women are little involved in politics and administration for reasons connected with cultural tradition. To help empower women they are going down a number of avenues such as the introduction of a microfinance system, a campaign to increase the number of girls in education, alternation of women and men on voting lists and an information campaign on the census before the elections. There is also a lot of work to be done on early marriage, gender equality, violence against women, widowhood (girls in isolation in voodoo convents).

Meeting with civil society

Coalition of 7 NGOs comprising WANEP, CNSC, ACAT, CACIT, REPSFECO, CEJP and SADD: Jeantine Agounke Kekeli (REPSFECO), Kodjo Édouard Gbodjo (CNSC), Koffi Ghislain Nyaku (CACIT), Dere Akofa Kangni (WANEP), Da-do Nora Amedzenu-Novieku (WANEP), Da-do Nora Amedzenu-Novieku (ACAT), Jean-Paul Uwimana (CEJP);

Aimé Adi (Director, Amnesty International Togo); Pierre Chanel Affognon and Robert Yao Dateé (Forces Vives Espérance pour le Togo); David Ekoué Dosseh et Nyama Raphaël Kpande- Adzare (Front Citoyen Togo Debout - FCTD), Ophélie Poulet (Consultant CGD); André Kangni Afanou and Godwin Etse (Centre de Documentation et de formation sur les Droits de l’Homme – CDFDH); Michèle Noussoessi Aguey and Kosssiwa Tsipoaka (Reflection Group on Women, Democracy and Development – GF2D); Aristide Abeyeta Djenda, Gabriel Batawila and Sylvain Akati (Union des ONG du Togo – UONGTO).

Some civil society representatives illustrated how the current social, economic and political crisis can be explained by developments which have taken place since 2005. More than 50% of the population lives below the poverty line and sees the situation worsening due to a lack of concrete reforms. Some of the progress which has been made in the area of road infrastructure was criticised for getting the state into excessive debt. Meanwhile there are tremendous needs in terms of access to drinking water, healthcare, training and education. Legislation is needed to prevent water degradation by industry (phosphates).

Following the violent demonstrations that took place in Lomé, but also in the north of the country, Amnesty International, as well as other interlocutors, have called for more attention to be paid to the victims and their families and to ensure that justice is done and that procedures are followed to avoid impunity. Although legislation is in place it is misinterpreted intentionally and too many demonstrations are prohibited. According to Amnesty International, all those arrested have been subjected to torture or ill-treatment. It felt that it did not have enough access to information to be able to carry out its work.

Others argued that not everything was perfect, but that it was necessary to work gradually,

AP102.869v01-00 10/16 CR\1181913EN.docx EN together with the authorities, for the well-being of the people. Lessons need to be learned from the past. Political de-escalation is needed and swift political progress (reforms) is expected in the coming months to soothe frustrations, reassure people and ensure economic recovery.

Part of the frustration seems to stem from the fact that there is no platform for structural dialogue between government and civil society.

Meeting with representatives of religious faiths

Inoussa Bouraïma and Karimon Sanni (Union Musulmane du Togo - U.M.T.), Mgr Benoît Alowonou and Mgr Nicodème Barrigah (Conférence des Évêques du Togo - C.E.T.), Pastor Daniel Mawusi Akotia and Prosper Komlan Deh (Eglise Évangélique Presbytérienne du Togo – E.E.P.T.) and Reverand Mitré Djakouti (President of the Christian Council).

The Muslim representative confirmed that freedom of expression was not an issue, but regretted the violent demonstrations, in particular those that took place in Sokodé. He also regretted the inconsistency of some politicians who agreed to the ECOWAS roadmap, then later opposed it. He believed that the census was an administrative act which should not be called into question, as voting is not compulsory. He strongly supports local elections in order to increase the legitimacy of local authorities, as currently municipalities are administered by special delegates appointed by the government. He confirmed that the demonstrations had brought the economy to a standstill. He urged the state to intervene in teacher training, to extend the health insurance system for civil servants to other categories of workers, and to create jobs for young people.

The representative of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference said he understood why some people had called for a boycott as dialogue had not been successful, but considered that this was a tactical error based on an over-estimation of their influence. However, he encouraged cooperation and dialogue, since it is necessary to act in the common interest of the people who feel left behind. He called on the National Assembly to prove its credibility as quickly as possible and to adopt the necessary reforms. He called on the government to de-escalate tensions by reopening the electoral roll before the local elections. The INEC, in its new composition, will soon be put to the test at the local elections and when revising the electoral code. Finally, he called on all interlocutors to tone down their language and to strengthen the climate of cooperation in the country.

Opening ceremony of the new legislature (National Assembly)

The mission was invited to attend the opening ceremony of the first ordinary session of 2019 of the Sixth parliamentary term of the National Assembly.

The acting Co-Chair, Ms Lucie Milebou-Aubusson, was invited to speak on behalf of the ACP- EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly, ahead of the representatives of the parliaments of Burkina Faso, Ghana and Guinea.

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3. Conclusions

The Togolese authorities expressed their willingness to modernise the country and to increase democratic legitimacy. The way the current President came to power and the fact that his father had been a dictator for decades were serious obstacles.

The extra-parliamentary opposition has refused to enter into dialogue with President Faure Gnassingbé.

The constitution of the new National Assembly creates expectations in terms of results within the next two months as regards the constitutional and institutional reforms. The presidential elections should take place in two rounds and the number of terms will be limited to two periods of five years. The members of the Constitutional Court, including for its president, should be appointed for a six-year term.

As a de-escalation measure, an additional electoral registration campaign should be organised before the municipal elections (scheduled for June 2019), even if this is not strictly required by law. This would allow those who boycotted the parliamentary elections on 20 December 2018 to participate in the local elections in June 2019 and the presidential elections scheduled for spring 2020.

All interlocutors agreed that there is almost complete freedom of expression and of the media. Togo has some of the most liberal laws in Africa in that respect. Opinions were more nuanced as regards freedom to protest.

For demonstrations that sometimes lead to violence, the effectiveness of the new surveillance mechanism should be assessed, in particular during the Pan-African National Party (PNP) demonstrations which are due to take place on 13 April 2019.

Judicial investigations brought in response to the demonstrations organised since August 2017 need to be pursued and concluded.

De-escalation measures in favour of detained demonstrators should be pursued in accordance with the law, which means that these steps towards de-escalation must not be regarded as impunity for criminal acts.

An effective platform for constructive dialogue between the government and civil society needs to be put in place and the government needs to consider working the results of this dialogue into its policies.

Growing security issues are emerging from the northern and eastern borders where Sahel terrorist cells are trying to gain a foothold in the region.

There is an urgent need to overcome political conflicts and to take the measures necessary to aid development, in particular as regards the poverty rate, high unemployment, especially among young people, poor health services, insufficient education, and insufficient wealth creation.

In conclusion, the discussions held with local interlocutors served to convince the mission that

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ASSEMBLÉE PARLEMENTAIRE PARITAIRE ACP-EU

MISSION D'INFORMATION ET D'ETUDE DU BUREAU DE L'ASSEMBLEE PARLEMENTAIRE PARITAIRE ACP-UE A LOMÉ (TOGO)

PROGRAMME 11 avril 2019

DIMANCHE 31 MARS 2019 Heure Lieu Réunion 10h15 Hôtel 2 Février Départ pour le Ministère des Affaires Étrangères 10h45-11h30 Primature  Komi Sélom KLASSOU, Premier Ministre  Robert DUSSEY, Ministre des Affaires Étrangères 11h45-12h30 Assemblée Nationale Mme Yawa Djigbodi TSEGAN, Président de l’Assemblée Nationale Pause déjeuner 13h30-14h15 Hôtel 2 Février T’Bol  Bruno HANSES (Chargé d’Affaires a.i., EU) Mezzanine  Christoph SANDER (Ambassadeur, DE)  Marc VIZY (Ambassadeur, FR)  Xavier LEBLANC (Ambassadeur, BE) 14h15-15h30 Hôtel 2 Février T’Bol G5 Togo : Mezzanine  Damien MAMA (Coordonnateur résident, UN)  Bruno HANSES (Chargé d'Affaires a.i., EU)  Michael DeTAR (Chargé d'Affaires a.i, US)  Marc VIZY (Ambassadeur, FR)  Christoph SANDER (Ambassadeur, DE) 15h30-16h30 Hôtel 2 Février T’Bol Partis politiques représentés à l’Assemblée Nationale : Mezzanine  Mémounata IBRAHIMA et Kokou Eké HODIN (Union pour la République - UNIR)  Sena Alipui (Union des Forces du Changement - UFC)  Gerry TAAMA et Innocent KAGBARA (groupe parlementaire Nouvel Engagement Togolais/Parti Démocratique Panafricain – NET/PDP)  Esther Ayélé GABIAM et Pacôme ADJOUROUVI (Membres indépendants) 16h30-17h30 Hôtel 2 Février T’Bol Opposition extra-parlementaire : Mezzanine  Brigitte ADJAMAGBO-JOHNSON, Paul APEVON, Komi WOLOU et Sambiri TARGONE (Coalition)  Jean-Pierre FABRE et Patrick LAWSON (Alliance Nationale pour le Changement – ANC)  Tchatikpi OURO-DJIKPA (Parti National Panafricain – PNP)  Jean KISSI (Comité d'Action pour le Renouveau – CAR) 17h30-18h30 Hôtel 2 Février T’Bol  Garba LOMPO (Représentant permanent de la CEDEAO au Togo)

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Mezzanine  Olusola IJI, Ambassadeur du Nigéria (présidence tournante CEDEAO) LUNDI 1 AVRIL 2019 Heure Lieu Réunion 08h00 Hôtel 2 Février Départ pour le la Présidence 08h30-09h30 Présidence Faure GNASSINGBÉ, Président de la République

10h45-12h30 Hôtel 2 Février T’Bol  Gilbert BAWARA, Ministre de la Fonction publique Mezzanine  Payadowa BOUKPESSI, Ministre de l’Administration territoriale  Pius AGBETOMEY, Ministre de la Justice  Christian TRIMUA, Ministre des droits de l’homme  Représentant du Gén. Yark DAMEHANE, Ministre de la sécurité et de la protection civile Pause déjeuner 14h30-15h30 Hôtel 2 Février T’Bol Réseau africain des Femmes Ministres et Parlementaires: Mezzanine Baloukina-Eza NIMON BATCHASSI, Dédé TRENOU, Pomong Wuinekouma ARZOUMA-KPAKPABIA, Larba APOUDJAK, Akossiwa TCHOHLO, Ebina ILOUDJE-MUNBAMBI et Monyeme BATENGUE 15h30-17h30 Hôtel 2 Février T’Bol Société civile : Mezzanine  Jeannine Kekeli AGOUNKE, Édouard GBODJO, Ghislain NYAKU, Dédé AKOFA KANGNI, Da-do Nora AMEDZENU-NOVIEKU, Jean-Paul UWIMANA (Coalition de 7 ONG constitué de WANEP, CNSC, ACAT, CACIT, REPSFECO, CEJP TOGO, SADD)  Aimé ADI (Directeur, Amnesty International Togo)  Père Marie Channel AFFOGNON et Yao DATE (Forces Vives Espérance pour le Togo)  David DOSSEH, Raphaël ADZARE (Togo Debout), Ophélie POULET  André AFANOU (Directeur) et Godwin ETSE (Centre de Documentation et de formation sur les Droits de l'Homme – CDFDH)  Michèle Noussoessi AGUEY et Kossiwa TSIPOAKA (Groupe de réflexion et d'action Femme, Démocratie et Développement - GF2D)  MM Abeyeta DJENDA, Gabriel BATAWILA et Sylvain AKATI (Union des ONG du Togo – UONGTO) MARDI 2 AVRIL 2019 Heure Lieu Réunion 08h00-09h00 Hôtel 2 Février T’Bol  Inoussa BOURAIMA (Président), Karimon SANNI (Union Musulmane du Mezzanine Togo),  Mgr Benoît ALOWONOU (Président) et Mgr Nicodème BARRIGAH (Conférence des Evêques du Togo - C.E.T.)  Pasteur Daniel Mawussi AKOTIA (Modérateur) et M. Prosper Komlan DEH (Eglise Evangélique Presbytérienne du Togo – E.E.P.T.)  Révérend Mintré DJAKOUTI, Président National de l’Eglise des Assemblées de Dieu 09h30-12h00 Assemblée Nationale Rentrée solennelle de la Nouvelle Législature 12h00-12h45 Assemblée Nationale Déjeuner / Pause déjeuner 12h45-13h30 Hôtel 2 Février T’Bol Débriefing entre les membres de la mission 13h30-15h00 Hôtel 2 Février T’Bol Communiqué de presse 17h00 Départ Membres vers aéroport

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