Togo Opens Justice Centers in Kabou and Pagala in Access-to-Justice Push

Justice

Tuesday, 02 December 2025 13:27

Togo Opens Justice Centers in Kabou and Pagala in Access-to-Justice Push

(Togo First) - Togo has opened two new community justice centers as part of efforts to expand access to legal services, particularly for citizens living far from formal courts.

The centers, located in the towns of Kabou and Pagala, became operational after ceremonies on Nov. 24 and Nov. 27 to appoint mediators. The events were presided over by Kadanga Tchalim, chief of staff at the justice ministry.

Created by presidential decree in 2018, the centers serve as intermediaries between formal courts and the public. They provide free mediation, conciliation and basic legal guidance for minor disputes.

Their role includes resolving neighborhood conflicts, rental disputes, family or land issues, and directing users to the appropriate services.

Data shows rising use of the centers. Cases handled by the 16 centers currently in operation increased from 3,857 in 2022 to 5,518 in 2024. The mediation success rate exceeded 90% in 2024, up from 85.8% the previous year, while debt recovery cases processed through the centers more than doubled over the same period.

The new facilities are funded through a support program financed by the Togolese state and the World Bank. Authorities urged communities to use the centers to resolve conflicts peacefully and affordably.

With Togo now operating about twenty justice centers, authorities say the goal is to continue expanding the network to cover more municipalities.

R.E.D

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