Tributes pour in across Africa for the tireless environmental defender who founded a major pan-African youth association.
Tributes are being paid across Africa following the death of Séna Alouka, a dedicated environmental activist, who passed away on August 31, 2026, at the age of 51. Alouka was a prominent figure in civil society, not only in his native Togo but across the continent.
He was best known for establishing the Jeunes volontaires pour l'environnement (JVE), which became the largest pan-African youth association focused on sustainable development. His work championed environmental causes and mobilized young people.
Alouka's passing has prompted widespread recognition of his significant contributions to environmental advocacy and sustainable development initiatives throughout Africa.
Why it mattersEnvironmental activists and organizations are affected by the loss of a key figure in the movement for sustainable development.
Read in ASJ →The Lomé commune has officially launched a new body to develop a territorial food plan, aiming for greater food sovereignty.
The commune of Golfe 1 in Lomé has officially inaugurated its Consultation Framework on Territorialized Food Systems (SAT). Established by municipal decree on June 1, 2026, and installed on September 2, 2026, this body aims to create a Territorial Food Plan (PAT). The initiative, supported by the NGO OADEL through the ILEMSA’NU project, seeks to address declining food quality and external dependence.
Tata Yawo Ametoenyenou, president of OADEL, highlighted that the process, initiated in 2023, aims to restore food sovereignty, noting that current food is not as healthy as in previous generations and that the population's nutrition depends on external sources. He emphasized that the framework belongs to the commune, with OADEL acting solely as a technical advisor.
Recent studies by OADEL/ILEMSA’NU in 2025 revealed that only 1.2% of 591 surveyed youths aged 15-24 have a balanced diet, nearly 29% are overweight or obese, and 54.2% of households use industrial bouillon cubes as a staple condiment. These findings underscore public health concerns and the need to promote local products, environmental protection, and population well-being.
Why it mattersThe establishment of a food system consultation framework in Golfe 1 affects local producers by potentially influencing the development of a Territorial Food Plan that could prioritize local products and sustainable practices.
Read in ASJ →The UN General Assembly voted to replace the traditional Mercator projection map with one that more accurately depicts the size of African nations.
The United Nations General Assembly has voted to adopt a new world map that more accurately reflects the true size of Africa, replacing the widely used Mercator projection. The resolution, championed by Togo and supported by African Union members, passed with 164 nations in favor, including France and the UK, while the US voted against and six nations abstained. This vote, though non-binding, signals a shift in how global institutions will represent continents.
The Mercator map, in use since the 16th century, has been criticized for distorting the sizes of countries, notably showing Africa as roughly the same size as Greenland, despite Africa being 14 times larger. Critics argue this misrepresentation can lead to the minimization of development needs and potential for equatorial nations. The Mercator projection was originally designed by Gerardus Mercator in 1569 to aid European explorers in navigation.
This new map aims to correct the visual inaccuracies that have persisted for centuries. The adoption of a more representative map by the UN could influence cartographic standards globally, potentially impacting how geographical data and proportions are perceived and utilized by various international bodies and educational institutions.
Why it mattersAfrican nations are affected by the UN's adoption of a new map because it corrects historical misrepresentations of their continent's true size, which critics say minimized development needs.
Read in ASJ →Political scientist Mohamed Madi Djabakate insists the ECOWAS court ruling demands a transition, excluding those who enacted constitutional changes.
Political scientist Mohamed Madi Djabakate has defended his interpretation of a recent ECOWAS Court of Justice ruling concerning Togo's 2024 constitutional reform. Speaking at a public conference organized by the National Framework for Concertation for Change (CNCC) in Lomé, Djabakate stated that the ruling unequivocally condemns Togo for violating constitutional order. He specifically cited an unconstitutional change of government on January 29, 2026, necessitating the restoration of constitutional order through a transition period.
Djabakate emphasized that individuals responsible for the unconstitutional changes should not participate in the proposed transition or subsequent elections. He challenged critics who accuse the opposition of political opportunism, urging them to read the court's ruling directly. Djabakate also cautioned against the Togolese government attempting to control the implementation timeline, asserting that the solution lies within the ECOWAS Court's decision itself.
He concluded by calling for collective responsibility, urging citizens to mobilize and demand the effective implementation of the ruling. Djabakate stressed that this is not solely the responsibility of any single political party or association but a common effort requiring broad participation. The ruling, he argued, provides a clear path forward for restoring constitutional order in Togo.
Why it mattersTogolese citizens are affected by the call to mobilize for the effective implementation of the ECOWAS Court ruling, which aims to restore constitutional order.
Read in ASJ →The National Institute of Statistics will collect data on income, employment, education, and health from September to December 2026.
The National Institute of Statistics and Economic and Demographic Studies (INSEED) will begin a new household living conditions survey across Togo on September 7, 2026. This data collection effort, scheduled to run until December 2026, is part of the third Harmonized Survey on Household Living Conditions (EHCVM). The initiative is supported by the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) and the World Bank.
Mobilized teams will gather information on household incomes and expenditures, employment status, educational attainment, and health indicators. The collected data aims to provide a more accurate measurement of the socioeconomic realities faced by Togolese populations. This operation is designed to update national poverty statistics and equip public authorities with reliable information.
The anticipated results will help refine national poverty statistics and offer policymakers concrete elements for better targeting and directing development policies and programs. The survey covers the entire Togolese territory, ensuring a comprehensive overview of living conditions nationwide.
Why it mattersThe survey will provide data on household incomes and expenditures, which is useful for understanding the economic situation of Togolese households.
Read in ASJ →