Togo Launches "Citizen's Office" to Foster Local Engagement

Politics

Sunday, 16 July 2023 03:54

Togo Launches "Citizen's Office" to Foster Local Engagement

(Togo First) - Togo should soon have Citizen offices that will facilitate dialogue between municipal authorities and their constituents.

The Minister of Territorial Administration, Decentralization, and Territorial Development, Payadowa Boukpessi, recently issued a decree to establish these structures. They will collect citizens’ expectations, concerns, and suggestions and relay them to mayors, thus fostering citizen involvement in the management of local affairs.

Each citizen's Office will reportedly be composed of a coordinator and a rapporteur. The two officials will be natives of the concerned municipality and members of the civil society. They will work hand in hand with the mayor to promote citizenship and facilitate communication between citizens and local authorities. Citizen's offices will also provide information on local government management to inform citizens and raise awareness about their rights and responsibilities.

Located in the capital of the municipality they cover, the offices must develop a work plan and an annual budget, which will be taken into account in the municipal budget, subject to available resources. They may also be supported by municipalities' technical and financial partners, with the government's agreement.

However, it is cautioned that in case of non-compliance with the obligations of the Office members, the mayor may terminate their duties, after consulting the municipal council.

Ayi Renaud Dossavi

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