Togo’s Uncertain Future: A Lacking Social Contract

Togo is navigating through tumultuous times, with a collective vision no longer in existence. Individual ambitions have taken precedence, leading to a rapid decline in social cohesion.

The country’s political authorities have lost credibility and are now feared for their ability to exert power. Traditional leaders, once revered for their moral authority, have become controversial figures, dependent on political power and inspiring distrust rather than respect.

This phenomenon extends beyond the political and traditional spheres, affecting various aspects of society. Leaders of associations and sports federations are viewed as puppets of a forced system, unable to garner voluntary support for their leadership.

A lack of legitimacy has severely damaged the social contract, rendering laws ineffective in regulating the actions of those in power. This, combined with the absence of fair governance, has fueled endless conflicts.

Political parties, which should facilitate debates and exchange of ideas, have become tools for eliminating opponents. Their proliferation is a testament to the multiplication of individual ambitions rather than a diversity of views for the country. These parties engage in a ruthless struggle, prioritizing the interests of their leaders over the nation’s future.

The absence of a strong presidential figure is increasingly felt, with the Head of State failing to provide guidance, set the tone, and bring together the country’s forces for the collective good. This has created a power vacuum, allowing the country to drift further into chaos.

A country without a solid social contract is doomed to fail. The notion that a nation can be built through brute force, injustice, and disagreement is misguided.

Source: Journal Sika’a