afrol News, 14 November - The successful organisation of a credible legislative elections in Togo has automatically qualified the country to access the embargoed European Union aid. On Tuesday, the EU approved two non-refundable grants totalling €26 million euros to Togo.

The grants have been earmarked for the development of institutional projects and urban development.

The first grant [€8 million euros] will be used for the consolidation of transparent political, economic governance, strengthening of democracy and management of public finance.

The other grant of €18 million euros will be set aside for urban sanitation in the country's major cities.

In August this year, the economic bloc supported the Togolese electoral commission with over US $18 million.

The EU had embargoed aid to Togo since 1993, questioning the country's lack of democracy and gross violation of human rights.

It is against this background that Togolese authorities have been working tooth and nail to adjust themselves to democratic reforms as well as respect the rights and freedoms of the citizens.

Brussels was encouraged with the country's fast pace of reforms that it released the 9th European Development Fund balance of €40 million euros to the West African country last year.

The successful holding of a credible legislative elections on 14 October by Togo pave way for a full resumption of the EU aid to Togo.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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