Togo’s flag raised at Marlborough House to mark admission into the Commonwealth
Caroline Ameh
Togo’s flag has been raised for the first time at the Commonwealth Headquarters at Marlborough House, London on 0ctober 20, 2022, following the admission of Togo into the Commonwealth family on 25th June, 2022 during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGOM) in Kigali, Rwanda.
Speaking at the Ceremony, Commonwealth Deputy Secretary-General, Dr Arjoon Suddhoo said:
“Togo’s journey into the Commonwealth has been a long time in the making. We walked the journey for many years, as the Commonwealth provided guidance to Togo’s efforts and commitments to embody the values of the Commonwealth Charter.
“Togo has shown commitment to meeting institutional and governance reforms. The Government of Togo has demonstrated clear action in developing its economy and infrastructure; in providing a conducive business climate and stability to attract tourism and investment.
“Today, we welcome [Togo] into our family home, where we work every day to deepen our bonds and abilities to conquer the challenges we face – together. Welcome to a special group of nations which are committed to doing their best to uphold shared values and to help one another”
On his part, Togolese President Gnassingbé remarked that:
“It is my great pleasure to address this honourable audience on this highly symbolic occasion and to express the joy and pride of the people of Togo as we gather here today to raise our flag among those of the great Commonwealth of Nations family.
As we celebrate this remarkable milestone, I would like to solemnly ask each one of you to bear witness to Togo’s renewed pledge to the core values of peace, democracy, and development, which are the core values of the family we are joining.
Our stepping into the Commonwealth family is an incredible booster towards progressing together and leaving no one behind.
It is my wish that the new dawn we are setting today will unveil an era of fruitful cooperation, economic growth, sustainable development as well as social and cultural fulfilment for all of us”.
As the tradition goes, a special flag-raising ceremony was held in the presence of the Commonwealth Deputy Secretary-General, Dr Arjoon Suddhoo, and the President of the Togolese Republic, H.E. Faure Gnassingbé. They were joined by guests including high commissioners, senior government officials, the Togolese diaspora, and the media. Togo, thereby becomes the 56th State of the Commonwealth nations.
Gabon and Togo have moved to strengthen their diplomatic armoury in a bid to ease their reliance on France.
They have been admitted to what was originally founded as a club of former British colonies but has been steadily diversifying its composition. These two francophone African nations are now the Commonwealth’s 55th and 56th members.
Rwanda joined in 2009 and Mozambique came into the group in 1995. None of these states had particular past historical ties with the UK.
The fact that they have opted to join the Commonwealth suggests that they see the organisation as a useful network of diplomatic and cultural influence, and for exercising “soft power” on the world stage.
