In a speech addressed to the nation on April 1, 2020, President Faure Gnassingbé declared a 3-month state public health emergency in Togo.

The measure, which “has never been implemented in our country before, reflects the gravity of the crisis we are facing,” the leader said referring to the coronavirus outbreak. 

While this state of emergency differs from a lockdown, authorities have imposed, until further notice, a curfew from 7PM to 6AM effective April 2.

To ensure compliance with the set safety measures, a mixed anti-pandemic force was dispatched. The special force which regroups 5.000 security agents was established by decree. 

Soon, the government should initiate social measures such as the distribution of funds to those who are most affected by the crisis. In this regard, the President also announced yesterday that water and electricity would be free for three months, for the most vulnerable populations - adding to a reduction of the fees to access water, from XOF75,000 to XOF25,000. 

On a larger scale, Gnassingbé announced the creation of a XOF400 billion national fund for economic solidarity to support businesses affected by the pandemic.