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Togo: A Country with a Mixed Record on Combating Organized Crime
Lomé, Togo - Despite verbal commitments to address corruption and establish a new legal framework, the effectiveness of measures taken by the government to combat organized crime in Togo remains uncertain. The country’s culture of impunity encourages political crimes and corruption, which have a significant impact on its economy and state.
International Cooperation
On the international stage, Togo has cooperated with various organizations and governments to fight organized crime, ratifying several instruments aimed at countering terrorism and organized crime. However, some state actors are suspected of having links with trafficking networks, casting doubt over the implementation of these measures.
Domestic Challenges
Domestically, Togo has a legal framework in place to combat organized crime, but the political will to enforce existing laws is lacking. The country’s judicial system is also plagued by corruption and lack of integrity among law enforcement personnel.
- Slow processing of criminal cases through the judicial system
- No specialized units dedicated to combating organized crime
Border Control
Togo’s prison population is largely comprised of pre-trial detainees, suggesting slow processing of criminal cases through the judicial system. Additionally, there are no specialized units dedicated to combating organized crime.
Economic Challenges
Despite efforts to strengthen its borders, Togo’s porous borders remain a concern. The government has introduced initiatives aimed at increasing transparency and accountability, as well as cooperation with civil society organizations. However, these measures are still too recent for adequate assessment.
- Ambiguous, confusing, and arbitrary tax policy
- Limited enforcement of anti-money laundering and financing of terrorism laws
Civil Society Efforts
Civil society organizations are active in addressing human trafficking, with some deploying labor inspectors in the field and providing care for victims. However, witness protection efforts remain limited due to anonymity reporting.
Media Landscape
Togo’s relationship between civil society, state, and political actors is marked by distrust and suspicion, particularly in the socio-political turmoil of 2017-2018. The country boasts an active media landscape, but public news services from state media are lacking. Press freedom is highly intertwined with the political environment, leading journalists to refrain from covering the government and army in a negative light.
Source
OCINDEX.NET/COUNTRY/TOGO