The Movement Martin Luther King (MMLK) in Togo has called on the government to postpone its planned clearance of public spaces in Grand Lomé, citing concerns over the economic impact on small businesses and traders. In a press release dated November 3, 2026, the MMLK, led by Pastor Edoh Komi, requested a three-month delay until January 31, 2027. The organization acknowledges the need to free up public spaces but argues that the current timing could have devastating effects on vulnerable populations.
The MMLK highlights that the period from November to January is a peak commercial season for many Togolese families, and a clearance operation at this time could compromise the investments of small traders and further exacerbate their living conditions. The organization also points out that many businesses are forced to operate on the streets and sidewalks due to high rental costs, which are often unaffordable for small operators. The MMLK is urging the government to address the root causes of the issue, including the high costs of renting commercial spaces.
According to the MMLK, one of the factors contributing to the occupation of public spaces is the high cost of renting shops and boutiques. Some landlords demand up to two years' worth of rent in advance, which is above the regulatory limit of three months. This has led to a situation where many small businesses are priced out of conventional commercial spaces and are forced to operate on the streets. The MMLK argues that the fight against the occupation of public spaces cannot be effective without addressing the issue of rental costs and providing alternative solutions for those affected.
The MMLK is proposing a three-pronged approach to address the issue. Firstly, it is requesting a postponement of the clearance operation until January 31, 2027, to allow businesses to navigate the festive season. Secondly, it wants the government to enforce regulations on rental deposits and identify and develop viable and accessible relocation sites. Finally, it is calling for increased awareness and information campaigns targeting those occupying public spaces.
The organization emphasizes that its proposal is not aimed at undermining the principle of clearing public spaces but rather at ensuring that the process is carried out in a progressive, humane, and socially responsible manner. The MMLK believes that the government's efforts to restore order in public spaces must be balanced with social measures and an adapted support system for those affected.
The MMLK's proposal has been signed by Pastor Edoh K. Komi, the president of the organization, which describes itself as "The Voice of the Voiceless." The movement is urging the authorities to prioritize dialogue and accompaniment rather than a hasty implementation of the clearance measures. The government had initially announced the clearance operation from November 3 to 20, 2026.
The clearance operation aims to address the issue of anarchic occupation of public spaces, which poses a significant problem for urban planning and citizen safety. The MMLK acknowledges the need for the operation but is advocating for a more considered approach that takes into account the socio-economic realities of the populations concerned. The organization's proposal is seen as a way to balance the need for public order with the need to protect the livelihoods of vulnerable populations.
Key points
- The MMLK is requesting a three-month delay in the clearance operation to allow businesses to navigate the festive season.
- The organization is urging the government to address the root causes of the occupation of public spaces, including high rental costs.
- The MMLK is proposing a three-pronged approach to address the issue, including a postponement of the clearance operation, enforcement of regulations on rental deposits, and increased awareness campaigns.
