How many Togolese live outside the country? The State has announced the start of the census of the diaspora which should last three months. This census of the diaspora – which has never been done – provokes controversy and fears, particularly within the political opposition.
Get to know the diaspora better so that it can participate in the development of Togo. This is the main argument displayed by the authorities.
” It is both a census to know the number of Togolese abroad and also an opportunity for the government to identify the skills of Togolese in order to encourage them to return to Togo and contribute to the development of Togo. “Said Robert Dussey, the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Private data, information considered confidential… Within the opposition, some believe that this census of the diaspora has only one objective, that of controlling all the voices which oppose President Faure Gnassingbé.
” It is above all to identify the potentialities of the diaspora who are able to finance the fight. We take it as an instrument of intelligence to try to muzzle, control, manipulate this diaspora. This is why we are totally hermetic to an approach that comes from the government “, retorts Karl Gaba, the coordinator of the Togo Debout Citizen Front.
Reviews swept away by Robert Dussey. ” We are not shocked. We find that some still do not understand. I believe that with pedagogy we will get there “, he insists.
The State estimates that between one and a half million and two million Togolese are settled abroad, particularly in West Africa.
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