Togo / Launch of toll-free number 8424: An initiative for peaceful and regulated transhumance
In an effort to strengthen the management and regulation of transhumance at the national level, the Ministry of Fisheries, Livestock Resources, and Transhumance Regulation has launched a toll-free number: 8424. This free service, accessible via all mobile networks (Yas Togo and Moov Africa Togo), enables the public—particularly agro-pastoral communities—to quickly report incidents related to transhumance. The initiative aims to promote a more peaceful and coordinated approach to herd mobility, while ensuring the safety of populations and facilitating communication among all stakeholders involved.
The new service is designed to enhance communication between the various actors in the transhumance process, while also providing an immediate response in times of crisis. Through this communication channel, the Ministry hopes not only to manage incidents more efficiently, but also to inform citizens about proper practices and offer real-time assistance to those facing challenges related to herd movement. The toll-free number serves as a tool for dialogue, prevention, and crisis management.
The Minister of State in charge of transhumance, Yark Damehame, also called on citizens to use the service responsibly and respectfully. “The goal is to ensure constructive use of this channel, in a spirit of peace and solidarity,” he emphasized. This awareness message is intended to encourage the public to adopt respectful behavior, thereby contributing to reducing the tensions that often arise from transhumance. The message is clear: harmonious management of this activity is everyone’s responsibility.
More broadly, the government has established inter-community committees in several localities to strengthen dialogue between herders and farmers. These committees play a key role in preventing conflicts and implementing joint solutions to the challenges encountered during transhumance. The overall goal of these initiatives is to ensure peaceful coexistence and promote the regulation of herd movements, while safeguarding the security and interests of all communities involved.
