CRS History in Togo

Togo was a German colony divided between the French and British following World War I. The French part of Togo became the independent Togolese Republic in 1960.

Strong ties between the Catholic bishops in the United States and Togo brought Catholic Relief Services to the country in 1958. CRS initially provided basic support to the poor through the distribution of clothes and medicine. Over the years, activities have expanded to include school feeding programs, mother and child health programming, humanitarian assistance, and small business development.

From 1967 until his death in 2005, General Gnassingbé Eyadema was Togo's military president. For more than 20 years, the country was governed by one political party, the Rally of the Togolese People. In 1990, under pressure from European and neighboring countries, the government agreed to institute a multiparty system and prepare for free elections. This process proved to be difficult and resulted in a period of increased human rights abuses, political unrest, and by 1995, the breaking of diplomatic relations with many of Togo's development partners, notably the U.S. Agency for International Development and the European Union. These changes affected CRS' ability to continue activities in the country. CRS closed its program in Togo in 1995. In 1999, at the request of the Episcopal Conference of Togo, CRS reopened a small program.

When President Eyadema died in 2005, he was succeeded by his son Faure Gnassingbé. The succession was challenged by popular protest and a threat of sanctions from regional leaders. In April 2005, President Gnassingbé held elections that validated his succession.

Today the country is committed to a reconciliation process and President Gnassingbé has opened his government to the opposition. The current prime minister, Yawovi Agboyibor, is an opposition leader. CRS continues to implement small-scale health and peacebuilding programs.