Togo - U.S.$1 Million Grant to Address the Humanitarian Emergency in the Savanes Region

The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group has approved a grant of US$1 million to Togo to support victims of the humanitarian crisis affecting the Savanes Region in the north of the country.

Since 2022, the deteriorating security situation in the Central Sahel has led to increasing population movements towards the Gulf of Guinea countries. In Togo, the Savanes Region is now hosting more than 55,000 refugees and nearly 16,000 internally displaced persons, while host communities are facing growing pressure on social services, economic resources and basic infrastructure. More than 1.9 million people are directly or indirectly affected by the consequences of this crisis.

The project will be implemented over a 12-month period by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in partnership with the Togolese authorities. The project seeks to respond to the humanitarian emergency in the Savanes Region, while strengthening the resilience of displaced populations and host communities.

The funding will provide rapid and inclusive emergency assistance to approximately 7,000 vulnerable people, including refugees and members of host communities. The project will support the registration and documentation of 5,000 new arrivals, enabling them to access essential services and protection. It will also provide 1,000 households with shelter rehabilitation kits and essential household items.

"In the face of the growing scale of forced displacement in northern Togo, this intervention will help address urgent humanitarian needs while strengthening the resilience of affected communities. The African Development Bank remains committed to supporting the Government of Togo in protecting the most vulnerable populations and preserving social cohesion in this strategic region of the country," said Pascal Yembiline, the African Development Bank's Country Manager for Togo.

The intervention will pay particular attention to women and girls, who are among the groups most severely affected by forced displacement. The project includes activities to prevent and respond to gender-based violence, as well as initiatives to strengthen women's economic empowerment through the creation and reinforcement of women's cooperatives.

"This operation is part of the African Development Bank Group's efforts to address fragility, build resilience and support stability in the Gulf of Guinea countries affected by the spillover effects of regional crises," said Martha Phiri, Director of the Human Capital, Youth and Skills Development Department.

"Beyond emergency assistance, this operation will help strengthen the long-term resilience of affected populations and host communities, while supporting the efforts of the Togolese authorities to manage the growing influx of refugees and internally displaced persons," Phiri said.

Read the original article on African Development Bank (AfDB).