In a circular issued on October 7, 2024, Togolese ministers responsible for development planning and territorial administration mandated that all foreign NGOs must adhere to the new guidelines outlined in Decree No. 2022-002/PR, which was enacted on January 5, 2022.
The new regulations stipulate that any foreign or international NGO seeking to establish a partnership agreement with the Togolese government must obtain official recognition of its NGO status. This requirement applies to both newly formed associations and those already operating in Togo prior to the decree’s implementation.
Existing associations that had signed program agreements before January 2022 without obtaining this recognition are obligated to rectify their status. The decree outlines specific conditions that must be met, and failure to comply will result in the automatic rejection of any request to renew or sign a program agreement.
Organizations operating in Togo have a one-year grace period to comply with these new provisions, as outlined in article 28 of the decree. Additionally, those operating without prior authorization from the Ministry of Territorial Administration must regularize their status within six months.
Local authorities, including governors, prefects, mayors, and directors of regional development planning, have been instructed to ensure widespread dissemination of this circular to all relevant parties.
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