2023-04-28 19:16:37
The Togolese head of state spoke on April 27, 2023 on the occasion of the 63rd anniversary of the country’s independence. Instead of the traditional speech to the Nation, Faure Gnassingbé opted instead for an interview with our colleagues from New World TV.
Several topics were discussed including the issue of terrorist threats, the high cost of living with inflation, agricultural development, transhumance, economic challenges and the upcoming regional and legislative elections, among others.
Regarding security issues, the Togolese leader again condemned the terrorist attacks recorded in recent times in the north of the pats, particularly in the savannah region, before reaffirming his commitment to do everything possible to overcome the phenomenon.
“Without peace and security, no country can develop, in any case, not ours”, hammered Faure Gnassingbé.
“I also know that it is an achievement that is always precarious. We ourselves have sent soldiers for peacekeeping operations elsewhere. We knew what was happening and what is still happening in the sub-region. What is happening to us today is a form of aggression from two groups. One is called the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara, and the other is the Support Group for Islam and Muslims,” he said.
“We have paid a heavy price, in particular the defense and security forces, who have lost about forty men and unfortunately, civilian victims who are added, about a hundred civilian victims in our country,” said Faure Gnassingbé.
“It’s not a continuous war, but it’s deadly attacks, destruction, bereaved families. So just because it’s done sporadically doesn’t mean you have to let your guard down or let yourself be lulled. I know that when you are in the capital and leading a normal life, it feels like these are isolated incidents. These are not isolated incidents, because countering this kind of attack requires constant vigilance. You can stay a month, two months without an attack and then a deadly attack comes,” he said, announcing that “the Togolese must expect a long fight with periods of drama, because it is inevitable. when you have war, but I can assure my compatriots that in the end, there will be victory”. And to add: “We are determined to reduce these armed bands”.
On the same subject, he also mentioned the government’s efforts and strategy in the face of this situation as well as the support for the populations affected by these attacks, before inviting the population to also play its part in this fight against terrorists.
After also addressing the other topics on the menu of exchanges, Faure Gnassingbé ended his interview by wishing a happy independence day to all Togolese men and women, while inviting them to renew their commitment to the development of their country Togo.
“For me, the celebration of independence is a source of pride, it is recognition for those who fought for us to have this independence. But it is also the time to take stock and try to tell ourselves that we must go in the direction of progress, ”he said.
Find the full interview with the Head of State Faure Gnassingbé through this link:
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