Togo on Tuesday and Wednesday launched a 2.45 billion CFA franc (US$4.1 million) program to build and rehabilitate judicial and prison infrastructure in the northern Savanes region, authorities said.
The projects were inaugurated by Justice Minister Pacôme Adjourouvi during visits to Mandouri, Dapaong, Tandjouaré and Mango, with officials highlighting the investments as part of efforts to improve access to justice in border areas and strengthen security.
In Mandouri, a new court of first instance and an official residence for the presiding judge will be constructed at a cost of 322.8 million CFA francs, with a planned completion time of 12 months.
In Dapaong, the program includes construction of regional court headquarters and rehabilitation of the local prison, with a budget of 643 million CFA francs and a six-month timeline.
Tandjouaré will receive a court of first instance with civil jurisdiction, costing 380 million CFA francs and expected to be completed within 12 months. In Mango, rehabilitation of the court of first instance and the prison including additional detention cells is planned at a cost of 594.3 million CFA francs, with works expected to last six months.
The program forms part of the broader Emergency Program for Strengthening Community Resilience and Security 2024-2028, which has an overall budget of 6.1 billion CFA francs. Authorities said the projects aim to enhance working conditions for judicial staff and reinforce the capacity of local institutions in regions facing security challenges.
Officials noted that improving judicial infrastructure is a key component of strengthening governance and community resilience in border areas, which are vulnerable to cross-border crime and insecurity.
