For much of the 1990s and the early 2000s, Togo was virtually boycotted by donors who sought to punish it for a perceived lack of democracy and the then regime’s poor human rights record. The signing in 2006 of a comprehensive agreement between the regime and its opponents ushered in a period of hope for the Togolese people. Presidential and parliamentary elections were successfully held in April 2005 and November 2007, respectively. A new democratic era was born.
With these developments, attention is beginning to focus once again on parliament as a potentially strong champion for democracy that can effectively tackle the people’s problems. Yet, the parliament, more than any other State institution in Togo, faces daunting challenges. Years of donor neglect have left it bereft of human and material resources crucial for its functioning. The 2007 parliamentary election resulted in a massive influx of newcomers into parliament. Indeed, it is estimated that about 90 per cent of the parliament’s membership are first-time members with no prior parliamentary experience. The parliament’s material and infrastructural facilities are in a shambles. It does not own its own premises and is obliged to rent space in a conference centre, with all the inherent inconveniences.
In the face of these challenges, the IPU and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) recently joined hands to launch an initiative to assist the fledgling parliament. In June they conducted an assessment of the parliament’s operation and needs in order to identify gaps that can be filled through external support. The findings of this assessment will provide the basis for a long-term comprehensive programme of assistance addressing the broad spectrum of the parliament’s needs.
It is hoped that this programme will gain donor support. In conjunction with the assessment, UNDP and IPU also conducted a seminar in Lomé for members to help them better understand their role and how to live up to the high expectations of the Togolese people. International support for the parliament should be seen as a facilitating process that builds on the parliament’s commitment and vision for serving the interests of the people.
