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ECOWAS COURT CONFIRMS THE VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS TO WORK OF 53 TOGOLESE BY THEIR STATE
ECOWAS COURT CONFIRMS THE VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS TO WORK OF 53 TOGOLESE BY THEIR STATE
By: Michael Mike
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Court of Justice, has affirmed that the Togolese Republic violated the right to work of Abiguime Maguiliwè and 52 Others.
The Applicants have claimed that the Republic of Togo violated their right to work, freedom of association, and right not to be subject to arbitrary detention.
Justice Ricardo Claúdio Monteiro Gonçalves, the judge Rapporteur who delivered the judgment, said that the Court dismissed the allegations regarding the right to freedom of association.
The Court also declared no violation of the right to strike and the right not to be arbitrarily detained. However, it ordered the Republic of Togo to compensate each of the 53 Applicants with 10,000,000 CFA francs for violating their right to work while rejecting the other claims for compensation.
The Applicants, a group of Togolese teachers, alleged that after forming the Togolese Teachers’ Union (SET) on May 22, 2021, and submitting the required documents on June 18, 2021, the Togolese authorities refused to recognise the union.
They said that despite sending a “Platform of Demands” on February 3, 2022, and issuing a strike notice for March 24 – 25, 2022, SET received no response and faced threats and intimidation from authorities.
They further explained that 150 teachers were transferred as disciplinary action between March and April 2022, and on April 8, 2022, three union leaders were arrested on charges of inciting uprising, which they deny.
They said that on April 25, 2022, some teachers were dismissed or suspended for participating in the strike. Additionally, the Court of Lomé prohibited the use of the acronym “SET,” which the Applicants contested, arguing that protection should focus on the name or domain, not the acronym.
The Respondent, despite being duly summoned, did not contest it.
In its judgment, the Court found that the Republic of Togo violated the Applicants’ right to work. The Togolese authorities had dismissed and temporarily suspended several teachers, including the Applicants, due to their participation in the strike.
The Court determined that these actions did not follow a fair process and violated their rights to work. Consequently, the Republic of Togo was ordered to pay each Applicant 10,000,000 CFA francs as compensation for this violation.
The Court also concluded that the Applicants’ right to freedom of association was not violated. The Togolese Teachers’ Union (SET) was not recognized due to the Applicants’ failure to comply with the updated procedures required by the new Labour Code, which came into force on the day of SET’s creation.
Additionally, the Court found no violation of the right to strike. Since the SET was not legally recognized, the suspension and dismissal of its members for participating in a strike were deemed lawful under Togolese legislation.
Furthermore, the Court ruled that the detention of three SET members, accused of inciting revolt, did not constitute a violation of their rights. The detentions followed due legal process, and the detainees were released within the legal time frame.
Also, on the three-member panel were Hon. Justice Edward Amoako Asante – Presiding, and Hon. Justice Sengu Mohamad Koroma – Member.
ECOWAS COURT CONFIRMS THE VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS TO WORK OF 53 TOGOLESE BY THEIR STATE
Russia Strengthens Strategic Ties with Sahel States Amid Geopolitical Shifts
By: Zagazola Makama
Russia has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening ties with Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, as Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov hosted his counterparts from the three Sahel states in Moscow. The high-level meeting signals deepening cooperation in security, economic development, and diplomatic coordination, amid shifting global alliances and the growing influence of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
The discussions, held in a quadrilateral format for the first time, focused on enhancing military collaboration, investment opportunities, and regional security strategies. Lavrov welcomed the delegation, emphasizing Russia’s support for the sovereignty of the three nations as they seek to assert independence in their policymaking and security frameworks.
“We appreciate the determination of your countries to build a new regional security architecture based on your own strengths while remaining open to mutually beneficial cooperation,” Lavrov said. He commended the “dynamic integration” efforts within the AES and highlighted ongoing projects in trade, finance, infrastructure, and human resource development.
The visit comes amid rising geopolitical tensions and the Sahel states’ increasing shift away from Western partnerships. Following military takeovers in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, the three countries have strengthened ties with Russia, particularly in military cooperation and counterterrorism efforts. They have also distanced themselves from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), forming the AES as a regional bloc focused on collective security and economic cooperation.
Lavrov noted that Russia is ready to support the AES beyond bilateral engagements, stating that collaboration would extend to international platforms, including the Russia-Africa Forum. The next ministerial meeting of the forum is expected to take place in Africa later this year, ahead of the 2026 Russia-Africa Summit.
In his remarks, Mali’s Foreign Minister, Abdoulaye Diop, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to strengthening ties with Russia, underscoring the importance of strategic alliances in addressing security and development challenges.
The meeting marks a new phase in Russia’s engagement with Africa, particularly in regions seeking alternative partnerships. As the global political landscape evolves, the AES-Russia partnership is expected to influence security dynamics and economic cooperation in the Sahel and beyond.
Russia Strengthens Strategic Ties with Sahel States Amid Geopolitical Shifts
Man Killed in Accidental Shooting During Joint Security Operation in Adamawa
By: Zagazola Makama
A tragic incident occurred on April 3, 2025, during a joint security operation in Girei Local Government Area (LGA) of Adamawa State.
The operation, which involved personnel from the Police, Military, Department of State Security Services (DSS), and Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), aimed to raid criminal hideouts in the area.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that during the operation, one of the security personnel accidentally discharged their firearm, striking 21-year-old Bara Adamu of Wuro Bulama, Girei LGA.
The victim was immediately rushed to Specialist Hospital for medical attention but was sadly confirmed dead by the doctor on duty.
Man Killed in Accidental Shooting During Joint Security Operation in Adamawa
Armed Bandits Kill One in Attack on Commercial Vehicle in Sokoto
By: Zagazola Makama
On April 3, 2025, at approximately 1130 hours, a group of armed bandits riding motorcycles, opened fire on a commercial vehicle traveling from Kebbi to Sokoto.
The attack resulted in the death of one Dan Gande Usman, who was shot in the head. The victim succumbed to his injuries while being transported to the hospital.
In response to the attack, troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA were deployed to the area to ensure sanity.
Armed Bandits Kill One in Attack on Commercial Vehicle in Sokoto
Russia Strengthens Strategic Ties with Sahel States Amid Geopolitical Shifts
Man Killed in Accidental Shooting During Joint Security Operation in Adamawa
Armed Bandits Kill One in Attack on Commercial Vehicle in Sokoto
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