Notice
There is a newer version of this document available.
It can be found at https://www.ssoar.info/ssoar/handle/document/70279.2
Download full text
(1.502Mb)
Citation Suggestion
Please use the following Persistent Identifier (PID) to cite this document:
https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:0168-ssoar-70279-5
Exports for your reference manager
BTI 2021 - Togo Country Report: Togo's Political and Socio-Economic Development (2019-2021) [author's enhanced version]
BTI 2021 - Togo Länderbericht [erweiterte Autoren Fassung]
[collection article]
Corporate Editor
Bertelsmann Stiftung
Abstract The Gnassingbé clan has ruled the country since 1967. The demand for political alternance,
initiated by institutional and electoral reforms, constituted the major contentious issue between the government and the challengers of the Gnassingbé regime throughout the survey period. The legislative ele... view more
The Gnassingbé clan has ruled the country since 1967. The demand for political alternance,
initiated by institutional and electoral reforms, constituted the major contentious issue between the government and the challengers of the Gnassingbé regime throughout the survey period. The legislative elections of 20 December 2018, boycotted by the major opposition parties, resulted in an easy victory of the ruling party. The first local elections since more than 30 years took finally place on 30 June 2019 and resulted in the victory of the ruling party. Shortly afterwards, in February 2020, the President won also the disputed presidential elections and even consolidated his power, assisted by the loyal army and security services. The outbreak of the Corona epidemic in Togo in April and the subsequent economic recession may have contributed to limit popular protest against the Gnassingbé regime. The human rights record of the government has improved but remains poor. Despite undeniable improvements to the framework and appearance of the regime's key institutions during the review period, democracy remains far from complete. However, the international community, notably Togo's African peers, the AU and ECOWAS, followed a 'laissez-faire' approach in the interests of
regional stability and their national interests in dealing with Togo. Economic growth remained stable at about 5% per annum (before Corona). Public investment in infrastructure and increases in agricultural productivity, notably of export crops, had been the key drivers of economic growth. However, growth remains vulnerable to external shocks and the climate and has not been inclusive. Positive growth was overshadowed by increasing inter-personal and regional inequality as well as an increase in extreme poverty. Moreover, money-laundering, illegal money transfers and trafficking grew alarmingly. The business climate improved considerably nevertheless.... view less
Keywords
Togo; West Africa; political development; socioeconomic development; governance; democratization; failed state; development aid; EU; economic growth; poverty
Classification
Political Science
Free Keywords
WAEMU; UEMOA; ECOWAS; African Studies
Collection Title
BTI project: Shaping Change - Strategies of Development and Transformation ; Political Economy of Africa
Document language
English
Publication Year
2021
City
Gütersloh
Page/Pages
p. 1-62
Status
Preprint; peer reviewed