Togo's president vows to end poverty at 56th Independence celebrations

Togo marked its 56th anniversary of independence on Wednesday with celebrations led by the country’s president Faure Gnassingbe.

On the eve of the celebrations, President Gnassingbe vowed to end poverty. According to UNICEF, more than half of Togo’s population live below two dollars per day with a majority from rural areas.

A military parade marched in the capital Lome in celebrations of the country’s independence from the French in 1960.

April 27 is Togo's anniversary of its independence from France on April 27, 1960. Happy #IndependenceDay Togo. pic.twitter.com/L4wyk06wzo

— CCTV Africa (@cctvnewsafrica) April 27, 2016

The government is seeking to promote inclusive growth in order to reduce social inequalities.

The country’s growth is driven by agriculture and the growth of infrastructure, all of which are helping to build Togo’s development.

In a state of the nation address, Gnassingbe also called on the Togolese people to safeguard and promote the republican social model of the West African country.

Agencies