Au Togo, une réalité silencieuse s’installe progressivement dans les comportements. Elle se manifeste dans des situations simples du quotidien, mais révèle un malaise plus profond.
Il y a quelques jours, lors d’une discussion avec un jeune Togolais et un ami revenu de Paris, une expression courante – « pleuvoir des cordes » – n’a pas été comprise. L’explication a suffi, sans difficulté. Quelques jours auparavant, un autre épisode similaire s’était produit : un proche vivant en France utilisait l’expression « mercredi en 8 » face à un ouvrier qui n’en saisissait pas le sens. L’incompréhension a rapidement laissé place à l’agacement.
Mais au-delà des mots, c’est l’attitude qui interpelle. Lorsque l’occasion s’est présentée de clarifier la situation, le jeune concerné a préféré garder le silence. Pas de débat. Pas de contradiction. Simplement un retrait.
Cette posture, devenue fréquente, traduit un phénomène plus large : la réticence à s’exprimer, à défendre ses idées ou à faire valoir ses droits. Elle touche particulièrement la jeunesse.
De nombreux jeunes victimes d’abus connaissent l’identité de leurs agresseurs mais hésitent à porter plainte, souvent découragés par leur entourage. D’autres préfèrent témoigner anonymement auprès du journaliste Ferdinand Ayité, surnommé « évêque Ferdinand », lors de ses interventions en ligne, plutôt que d’assumer publiquement leurs accusations.
Ce climat dépasse la sphère individuelle. Il s’observe également en politique, où la franchise et l’engagement direct se raréfient. Beaucoup expriment leurs frustrations en privé, mais redoutent les conséquences d’une prise de parole publique.
Pour comprendre cette situation, il faut remonter à l’époque du parti unique. La culture de la dénonciation y était encouragée, instaurant un climat de méfiance généralisée, jusque dans les familles. La parole devenait risquée, et le silence, un réflexe de survie. Cette fracture sociale a profondément marqué les mentalités.
La diaspora n’a pas échappé à cette dynamique de suspicion. À l’étranger aussi, la solidarité s’est affaiblie, chacun redoutant d’être exposé ou mal interprété.
Au fil des années, cette culture de la retenue s’est consolidée. La peur des représailles, renforcée par des épisodes de violence politique, a installé un repli intérieur durable. Le silence s’est progressivement imposé comme stratégie de protection.
Selon cette analyse, cette situation profite au pouvoir en place, dirigé par Faure Gnassingbé, au pouvoir depuis plus de vingt ans. Les critiques portent sur la stagnation des conditions de vie : accès limité à l’eau, à l’électricité, infrastructures insuffisantes.
Pour l’auteur, ce silence collectif freine toute dynamique de transformation. Il appelle à un sursaut individuel et collectif : retrouver le courage d’exprimer ses idées, défendre ses droits et préserver sa dignité.
Il conclut en affirmant que le développement d’un pays ne peut reposer sur un peuple paralysé par la peur.
Nathaniel Olympio
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