Media Statement

23 October 2023

Deputy Minister Botes concludes visit to Togo

The Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Alvin Botes has concluded his visit to Lomé, Togo where he participated in the Inaugural Lomé Peace and Security Forum.

The Forum took place from 21-22 October 2023 under the theme: “How to strengthen political transitions towards democratic governance in Africa”.

The Forum brought together representatives of African and non-African governments, high-level experts, stakeholders from civil society organisations, the academic world, media, international organisations and the youth.

At the Forum, South Africa reiterated the African Union’s zero tolerance for unconstitutional changes of government, as stated in the Lomé Declaration of July 2000.

South Africa emphasised that undemocratic changes of governments accentuate the fragility of states, weaken national institutions and the rule of law and undermine social cohesion.

“We also reaffirmed the absolute necessity for states to address the structural causes and conditions that favour unconstitutional changes of government”, said Deputy Minister Botes.

Enquiries: Mr Clayson Monyela, Spokesperson for DIRCO, 082 884 5974

ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION

OR Tambo Building

460 Soutpansberg Road

Rietondale

Pretoria

0084