Four years ago, Togo's army launched a brutal crackdown on the country's civilian population. It is trying to change its image now. The army is offering free healthcare in some of the country's poorest regions.
The army's chief of surgery, Badjona Songne, told the news agency irin that organizing healthcare is a sure way to overcome the army's abusive reputation.
Military surgeon Songne said the 1,200-strong force delivering healthcare, backed by 100 vehicles and a plane, was "overwhelmed" with requests. "The patients were so numerous that we could not assist everyone."
World Health Organization's representative in Togo, Kadri Tankari, saw no problem with the military delivering healthcare. "In most African countries health systems are weak and government institutions cannot do it alone," he said.
But Ajavon Zeus, president of the ngo Collective of Association Against Impunity in Togo, felt the measures weren't enough. "Such isolated acts will not help in reconciliation," he said.
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