The AfDB has approved a $1 million grant to Togo to support communities affected by the humanitarian crisis in the Savanes Region, where insecurity in the Central Sahel has driven rising displacement towards Gulf of Guinea countries.
Since 2022, northern Togo has seen increasing arrivals of people fleeing violence and instability in the wider Sahel region. The Savanes Region is now hosting more than 55 000 refugees and nearly 16 000 internally displaced persons.
Host communities are also facing growing pressure on social services, economic resources and basic infrastructure. AfDB said more than 1.9 million people are directly or indirectly affected by the crisis.
The 12-month project will be implemented by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in partnership with Togolese authorities.
The intervention is intended to respond to urgent humanitarian needs while strengthening the resilience of displaced populations and communities hosting them.
AfDB said the funding will provide rapid and inclusive emergency assistance to about 7 000 vulnerable people, including refugees and members of host communities.
The project will support the registration and documentation of 5 000 new arrivals, helping displaced people access essential services and protection.
It will also provide 1 000 households with shelter rehabilitation kits and essential household items.
AfDB Country Manager for Togo Pascal Yembiline said the intervention responds to the growing scale of forced displacement in northern Togo. “In the face of the growing scale of forced displacement in northern Togo, this intervention will help address urgent humanitarian needs while strengthening the resilience of affected communities,” Yembiline said.
Yembiline said AfDB remains committed to supporting the Government of Togo in protecting vulnerable people and preserving social cohesion. “The AfDB remains committed to supporting the Government of Togo in protecting the most vulnerable populations and preserving social cohesion in this strategic region of the country,” Yembiline said.
The project will pay particular attention to women and girls, who are among those most severely affected by forced displacement.
Activities will include measures to prevent and respond to gender-based violence, as well as support for women’s economic empowerment through the creation and strengthening of women’s cooperatives.
AfDB Human Capital, Youth and Skills Development Department Director Martha Phiri said the operation forms part of AfDB’s efforts to address fragility and support stability in countries affected by spillover from regional crises.
“Beyond emergency assistance, this operation will help strengthen the long-term resilience of affected populations and host communities, while supporting the efforts of the Togolese authorities to manage the growing influx of refugees and internally displaced persons,” Phiri said.
–AfDB/ChannelAfrica–
