Togo - 2018: Domestic Politics, Foreign Affairs, Socio-economic Development
In: Abbink/Melber/Mehler/ (eds.), Africa Yearbook. Vol. 15 – Politics, economy and society South of the Sahara in 2018. Leiden & Boston: Brill, Forthcoming
15 Pages Posted: 7 Feb 2019
Date Written: January 23, 2019
Abstract
Throughout the year the controversial legislative elections dominated the political landscape. Huge anti-government demonstrations that called in vain for political alternance. The legislative elections of 20 December 2018, boycotted by the major opposition parties, resulted in an easy victory of the ruling party, however without the expected constitutional amendment majority. Therefore, the prime minister and his cabinet were replaced. The local elections, crucial for democratization at the grassroots , but postponed time and again since 1987, were again postponed in December 2018 sine die. Economic growth remained stable at about 5% per annum. Public investment in infrastructure (e. g. roads, harbour) and increases in agricultural productivity, notably of export crops, had been the key drivers of economic growth. Moreover, money-laundering, illegal money transfers and trafficking grew alarmingly. Unemployment and lacking political change caused increasing migration.
Keywords: Togo, countrywide study, West Africa, domestic politics, foreign affairs, socio-economic development
JEL Classification: A14, F35, N97, O17, O55, Z13
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation