1. HISTORY
In 1993, some Togolese living outside of their native land, initiated
the creation of a Network to mobilize compatriots of the Diaspora and support
the internal democratic movement in its struggle to bring forth democracy
and a lawful state in Togo.
This idea made its way and was favourably accepted by many associations
in the Togolese Diaspora.
The Canadian Togolese Community (CTC) then took the initiative to organize
an international seminar from which sprung the beginning of the Network
of the Togolese Diaspora. To do this, it created a committee CTC-Network
to take care of this project.
In November 1994, the committee presents a plan of action to the Central
Executive Office of the CTC. The same month, an informative letter on the
idea of the Network was sent to the associations of the Togolese Diaspora
in the Antilles, England, Germany, Belgium, the Ivory Coast, Benin, Burkino
Faso, the United States of America, France, Switzerland and Canada.
As of January 1995, positive responses were received from all corners
of the world. An orientation text and a program of an international seminar
on Togo from which would be created the Network, were sent to associations
of the Togolese Diaspora.
In March, 1995, begins the operations for the seminar with work sessions
conducted with the associations.
In April, 1995, the Central Executive Office of the CTC convokes a meeting
to establish different committees for the organization of the seminar.
On May 22nd, 1995, the first delegations of the Diaspora’s associations
arrive.
From May 26th to 28th groups work on the theme: Democracy, the state
of Rights and Development, Perspectives on the Future of Togo, in preparation
for the International Seminar on Togo.
On May 28th, 1995, the seminar begins with the discussions of the work
groups which creates the Togolese Diaspora for the Democracy (DIASTODE),
an external group dedicated to the promotion and defense of democracy in
Togo.
2. JUSTIFICATION OF THE CREATION OF THE DIASTODE
The history of a country is continuously made and written every day.
In the paraphrased words of Frantz Fanon “Every generation must, with relatively
clear vision, discover its mission and either fulfill or betray it.”
After enormous sacrifices made by the Togolese people, it is time to
analyze the situation in order to see how the Diaspora could contribute
to the future of Togo, democratically, economically, socially and culturally.
Most Togolese around the world share their belief in democratic principles.
This was demonstrated by the moral, political and financial contribution
that the Togolese Diaspora brought to the Togolese people during the difficult
process of democratization in the beginning of the 1990s.
It is necessary to support the democratic ardor amongst the Togolese
abroad but, equally important, to better use their diverse talents, the
solidarity by which they benefited in their host country to reinforce the
internal plan, the fight for democracy in Togo.
To do this, it is necessary to work at a more structured level to mobilize
Togolese around the world through a Network including diverse regional
associations in Africa, Europe, North America and the world.
3. DECLARATION OF THE FOUNDING OF THE DIASTODE
The 28th of May, 1995, we, the Associations of the Togolese Diaspora
dispersed to the four corners of the world, reunite in a General Assembly
coinciding with the International Seminar on Togo in Hull, Quebec, Canada.
- Considering that we are in the era of the global village
- Considering that the Togolese Diaspora, dispersed in diverse countries
around the world and regrouped in Associations in hosting countries, can
and must work for the political, economical, social and cultural development
of Togo.
- Considering that the solidarity and the concentration between the
Diaspora’s associations contributes to inform and affect public opinion
in the hosting countries on questions concerning human rights, the advent
of a lawful state and democracy in Togo;
have decided freely to create a Network called: The Network of the
Togolese Diaspora for the Democracy (DIASTODE)
of which the ideals are:
- to reunite associations of goodwill, adhering and sharing the fundamental
philosophy and objectives of the DIASTODE without distinction:
- to promote solidarity amongst the Togolese Community abroad
- to promote cooperation between the Togolese Community, the African
Community and the International Community
The present declaration constitutes the essential preamble of the statutes
of the DIASTODE.
The participants
Hull, May 28th, 1995
Permanent Secretary of the DIASTODE
c/o The Canadian Togolese Community
Central Executive Bureau
P.O. Box 79060, Hull, Qc (Canada)
J8Y 6V2
E-Mail : diastode@diastode.org
Site web: www.diastode.org
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