In a ceremony held on October 5 in Bassar, Togo, the Prefect of Bassar, Lieutenant Colonel Asiah Hodabalo, officially installed the customary councils of Sanda-Kagbanda and Manga. The councils, comprising 20 members in Sanda-Kagbanda and 12 members in Manga, aim to facilitate a concerted reflection for the selection of a new traditional leader. This process is part of the government's efforts to ensure the peaceful and transparent selection of traditional leaders.

The installation of the customary councils is a significant step towards promoting traditional leadership and preserving cultural heritage in the region. The councils will play a crucial role in the selection of a new traditional leader, ensuring that the process is fair, transparent, and in line with existing laws and regulations. The members of the councils were sworn in and received official documents, marking the beginning of their term.

In Sanda-Kagbanda and Manga, Djapoul Gmawal and François Mabia were elected as presidents of their respective customary councils. Their election was based on the rules and regulations governing the selection of council presidents, which stipulate that the oldest member should be designated as president. The presidents were presented with official documents, formally marking the installation of the councils.

Lieutenant Colonel Asiah Hodabalo, Prefect of Bassar, emphasized the importance of consensus, impartiality, and transparency in the exercise of the councils' responsibilities. He encouraged the members to prioritize listening, dialogue, and the general interest, ensuring that the selection of a new traditional leader is made in a spirit of unity and in accordance with existing laws.

The installation ceremony was attended by the mayors of Bassar 3 and 4, Sikou Agba and Damsa Tagba Walla, as well as traditional leaders and representatives of civil society. The event marked a significant milestone in the process of selecting a new traditional leader for the region. The customary councils will play a vital role in preserving traditional values and promoting social cohesion.

Lieutenant Colonel Asiah Hodabalo highlighted the importance of tradition as a lever of progress and an instrument of social peace consolidation. He stressed that the customary councils must contribute to the preservation of traditional values and the promotion of existing laws. The councils will work closely with traditional leaders and local authorities to ensure the smooth transition of leadership.

The installation of the customary councils in Sanda-Kagbanda and Manga marks a significant step towards promoting good governance and traditional leadership in the region. The councils will ensure that the selection of a new traditional leader is made in a fair, transparent, and peaceful manner, in line with existing laws and regulations.

Key points

  • The installation of customary councils in Togo aims to promote traditional leadership and preserve cultural heritage.
  • The councils will play a crucial role in the selection of a new traditional leader, ensuring a fair and transparent process.
  • The process is part of the government's efforts to ensure peaceful and transparent selection of traditional leaders.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.