It is 2020, the year that was marked by the global Covid-19 pandemic, and as a result, many initiatives have been put in place to help countries cope with this unprecedented crisis. Unfortunately, it seems that the affair of the Covid-19 response and solidarity funds from the 2020 budget is resurfacing in Togo.
Following an audit report from the Court of Auditors requested by the government in February 2023, certain inadequacies in the use of mobilized resources were revealed. These revelations caused turmoil among the Togolese population.
Faced with this situation, the Veille économique association, a civil society organization, filed a complaint in March for tax fraud and breach of trust against X. However, the complaint was dismissed in April, the judge considering that the association was not injured and could therefore not claim any damage.
But last Friday, at the National Assembly, the matter was brought back to the forefront. Yawa Tsegan, the president of parliament, announced the creation of a fact-finding mission made up of 27 parliamentarians with the aim of shedding light on the use of funds allocated in 2020 for the Covid-19 response and solidarity. This new fact-finding mission will have 45 days to submit its report to the president of parliament.
This decision by the National Assembly demonstrates the desire of Togolese deputies to shed light on this matter and to guarantee transparent management of the funds allocated to fight the pandemic. This investigation is an important step in the quest for responsibility and accountability.
It is essential that funds intended for the Covid-19 response and solidarity are used efficiently and transparently to maximize their impact on the population. The Togolese need to know that the resources allocated to them are used responsibly and to truly meet their needs during this difficult time.
This case also highlights the importance of citizen oversight and the key role of civil society organizations in the fight against corruption and abuse of power. The vigilance of the Economic Monitoring association and its willingness to file a complaint show that civil society plays an essential role in protecting the interests of the population.
In conclusion, the affair of the Covid-19 response and solidarity funds from the 2020 budget in Togo is the subject of a parliamentary investigation in order to shed light on the use of these resources. This investigation is a crucial step in ensuring transparency and accountability in the management of funds intended to fight the pandemic.