TOGO/ Agoè-Assiyéyé Market Fire : The National Alliance for Change (ANC) calls for an independent investigation
While the government is already investigating the circumstances that led to the fire at Agoè-Assiyéyé market on December 21, the ANC calls for an “independent” inquiry.
According to the political party, authorities must determine responsibilities for the fire so that all negligence can be sanctioned. The ANC also requests psychological support for the victims.
The party also observes, in a statement released on Thursday, the « excesses of law enforcement » on the Agoè-Assiyéyé market sites in the days leading up to the fire. According to the ANC, this situation has created an atmosphere of discontent and a total breakdown of trust with the market vendors. However, it’s unclear how this is related to the fire.
Is the party insinuating that the so-called “excesses” are the cause of the disaster ? In the same vein, the party does not clarify its approach but does not miss the opportunity to denounce the incivility of some individuals who took advantage of the tragedy to steal goods from the vendors’ shops still threatened by the flames.
« The ANC demands the establishment of a truly independent and credible inquiry commission to shed light on the circumstances of this new catastrophe, to clearly establish responsibilities before, during, and after the fire so that all negligence can be sanctioned, and all identified wrongdoers can be brought before the courts to answer for their actions », wrote Me Isabelle Manavi Ameganvi.
Finally, she invites the government to promptly organize psychological support for the victims, given the acute nature of the trauma suffered, and to ensure substantial compensation.
According to Isabelle Manavi-Améganvi, this will help prevent or mitigate cardiovascular diseases and cases of psychological disorders that often occur in such situations. Moreover, the ANC also believes that from Adawlato in 2013 to Agoè-Assiyéyé in 2023, material and logistical deficiencies continue to negatively impact the efficiency of the fire department’s services.
