Anti-Terrorism: President Gnassingbé Calls for the Reorganization of Military Cooperation in West Africa

Security

Wednesday, 24 April 2024 16:14

Anti-Terrorism: President Gnassingbé Calls for the Reorganization of Military Cooperation in West Africa

(Togo First) - Togolese President Faure Gnassingbé recently attended a high-level meeting in Abuja, Nigeria, focusing on combating terrorism across Africa. The gathering, themed "Strengthening Cooperation and Regional Institutions to Address the Evolving Threat of Terrorism in Africa," convened African leaders to discuss the issues posed by terrorism and explore innovative strategies to fight it.

During the talks, President Gnassingbé emphasized the critical need for international funding to support counterterrorism efforts and underscored the importance of bolstering military collaboration among nations facing unique security situations. "Terrorism poses a fundamental threat to our states," he remarked. "Therefore, defeating terrorism remains our paramount objective. Achieving this goal in our sub-region hinges on robust interstate cooperation and the ability to effectively navigate multifaceted threats and asymmetric conflicts."

Gnassingbé also called for enhanced coordination among defense and security forces, urging regional leaders to consider instituting reforms and establishing a "new military cooperation organization." Such an initiative, he explained, would play a pivotal role in combating terrorism while taking into account broader global dynamics. "Through a reimagined organizational framework," he noted, "we can effectively address the scourge of terrorism while acknowledging the broader international context."

In Togo, the fight against terrorism extends beyond military responses, encompassing social and civic initiatives targeting vulnerable communities. Notable efforts include the Emergency Program for the Savanes Region (PURS), spearheaded by the President, and the Social Cohesion Project for the Northern Regions of the Gulf of Guinea (COSO), supported by the World Bank. These programs aim to address security threats while promoting social cohesion and resilience among affected populations.

REFORMS OVERVIEW

STARTING A BUSINESS (more info)

At the fifteenth position, worldwide, and first in Africa, under the Starting a Business index of the 2020 Doing Business ranking, Togo sustains its reformative dynamics with more reforms….

ENFORCING CONTRACTS (more info)

Compared to some years ago when it was one of the lowest rankers under the Doing Business’ Enforcing Contracts indicator, Togo, leveraging many efforts to improve its business climate, was able to jump significantly on the index in the recent years... .

CONTRACT EXECUTION (more info)

Creation of special chambers of commerce for small debts • Creation of chambers of commerce at the Court of Appeal • Civil and commercial cases now handled by distinct clerks • Establishment of commercial courts in Lomé and Kara • Lawyers and bailiffs now have access to the FORSETI COMMERCIAL platform • A maximum period of 100 days was fixed to settle a commercial dispute .

TRADING ACROSS BORDERS (more info)

In comparison to previous years,Togo has significantly improved its ranking under the“Trading across borders” indicator by adopting multiple reforms that focus mainly on the digitization and reduction in delays, for import and export procedures related to import and export.

In comparison to previous years, Togo has significantly improved its ranking on the “Trading across borders” index by adopting multiple reforms that focus mainly on the digitalization and reduction in delays, for import and export procedures related to import and export.

CONSTRUCTION PERMIT (more info)

After moving from the 133rd to 127th place under the 2020 Doing Business’ construction permit index, Togo intends to reiterate this feat in the coming edition of the global ranking. To this end, it has introduced this year multiple reforms.

GETTING ELECTRICITY (more info)

Over the past two years, Togo’s ranking under the Doing Business’ Getting electricity and water indicator has increased consistently. Owing this performance to multiple reforms aimed at making it easier for businesses to access power and water, Lomé plans to introduce even more reforms this year to keep up its improvements.

REGISTERING A PROPERTY (more info)

Out of all the 'Doing Business’ indicators, Property Registration is where Togo has improved the most since 2018. Indeed, after spending years in the lowest part of this ranking, the country now seeks to beat Rwanda which is the best performer on this index in Africa. To do so, Lomé has been introducing many reforms, with the latest batch implemented this year.

PUBLIC PROCUREMENT (more info)

From professionalization to digitization, through legislative regulations, Togo’s public procurement framework is constantly being modernized. Several reforms have been implemented to improve the sector much to the benefit of the private sector, which is the focus of the National Development Plan.

PAYING TAXES AND DUTIES (more info)

To improve its business environment, Togo introduced some important reforms related to the payment of tax and duties. From the replacement of some taxes to the cancellation of others through exemptions, the country has only one objective: offer the most attractive tax framework to investors and economic operators. To achieve this, the authorities relied on digitization.