As part of its « No to Petroleum Exploitation in Togo » which is part of the regional project Frontline resistance to oil and gas and Coordinated campaigning for climate justice and Just energy transformation for Africa, Les Amis de la Terre Togo mobilized, on July 30, 2021 in Baguida, communities affected by oil exploration in Togo - Doévi Kopé, Gbétsogbé, Katanga. The objective is to plan lobbying and advocacy actions in order to dissuade the Togolese authorities from extracting oil in Togo, due to the negative externalities that may result. It should be emphasized that the populations of these three communities are fishermen and processors of fish. . During this mobilization meeting, fishermen and fish processors largely discussed the difficulties and challenges related to the practice of their activities. Some members of these communities have delivered their testimonials: « Every time we go fishing, barbed wire from boats snags our nets. They are very sharp and can hurt when touched. …. The quantity of our nets that have remained at sea is significant. The NGO Les Amis de la Terre Togo gives us regular training on our rights and duties related to environmental protection. our activities We seek the support of this organization in terms of advocating for this practice to end ». - Fisherman « When the boats dock, there are fish there. where their lights are projected and the fishermen cast their nets there. But this is not allowed. ; under penalty of imprisonment with a fine of 300,000 to; 500,000 FCFA. However, fishermen are poor people, they just seek to survive ».. ”- Woman fish processor “The authorities should find us a safe place to fish. The sea destroys our homes without anyone worrying about it. The little space we have left is shared. with businesses. Consequently, we are running out of space and we wonder if Togo has fishermen. If so, we should be leftr the coast or protect it so that we can go to sea. where we find fish that the boats dock. We’t go far, that’s where we fish. When our comrades go there, they are chased away. We feel that the barbed wire found in the water is deliberately left there to tear our nets and discourage us from returning. We beg Friends of the Earth-Togo to help us to have a place at sea from which we can catch fish for the market. We pray Friends of the Earth-Togo to to intercede with the government on our behalf.”- Fisherman< /span> “Do we set up factories in communities? Factories are located far from communities. But here they set up the factories there. where we are, in the populations. What do you want us to become?” Head of Doévi Kopé
Note that as a prelude to discussions and testimonials, a video of previous activities of Friends of the Earth Togo with these communities, has been projected to generate debate.
At the end of the meeting, a calendar was drawn up. established with each community for a working visit with Friends of the Earth Togo to discuss the specific issues of each community; and foresee, together, the solution approaches.
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