Togo: Formalizes Burkinabe Refugee Return Agreements

• Togo, Burkina Faso, Benin, Ghana, and UNHCR signed three tripartite agreements in Lomé to facilitate the voluntary return of Burkinabe refugees.
• These agreements followed the second ministerial meeting of the Lomé Dialogue, held from September 9 to 11, 2026.
• The Sahel security crisis has displaced 4.7 million people in 2024, with over 239,000 Burkinabe refugees recorded in host countries by late July 2026.
• The agreements aim to ensure safe, voluntary, and dignified repatriation for displaced Burkinabe nationals.
• Growing refugee populations are increasing demand for protection, food, and healthcare in host nations.

These UNHCR tripartite agreements Togo has entered into, along with its neighbors, are therefore more than just administrative documents; they represent a tangible step towards durable solutions for one of the most pressing humanitarian crises in West Africa.

Togo, alongside Burkina Faso, Benin, and Ghana, has formalized a critical framework for the voluntary return of Burkinabe refugees. This significant development saw the signing of three distinct tripartite agreements with the United Nations refugee agency, UNHCR, in Lomé. These UNHCR tripartite agreements Togo and its neighbors established a structured approach to facilitate the safe, voluntary, and dignified repatriation of individuals displaced by regional instability. The agreements emerged directly following the second ministerial meeting of the Lomé Dialogue, which convened from September 9 to 11, 2026.

The signing of these Togo Burkinabe refugee return agreements represents a concerted effort by the involved nations to address the ongoing humanitarian challenges in the region. The ministerial gathering itself was described by Hodabalo Awaté, Togo’s minister of territorial administration, as a pivotal moment. He emphasized its role in solidifying the progress achieved through the Lomé Dialogue, enhancing regional cooperation, and accelerating the fulfillment of shared commitments among the participating states. This collaborative approach underscores a commitment to finding Sahel displacement legal solutions that prioritize the well-being and rights of displaced populations.

The urgent need for such frameworks is underscored by the persistent security crisis in the Sahel, which continues to drive substantial population displacement towards countries bordering the Gulf of Guinea. Data from UNHCR reveals that approximately 4.7 million people were displaced across the broader Sahel Plus region in 2024, marking a 12% increase from the previous year. This escalating crisis has led to a significant influx of Burkinabe nationals seeking refuge in neighboring states.

Specifically, nearly 127,000 Burkinabe individuals have sought asylum in Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, and Togo. By the end of July 2026, the total number of refugees and asylum seekers, predominantly from Burkina Faso, recorded across these four host nations had surpassed 239,000. This growing refugee population places immense pressure on the resources and infrastructure of host communities, intensifying the demand for essential services including protection, food, and healthcare. For instance, in March 2025, the World Food Programme requested $4.6 million to provide six months of aid to Burkinabe asylum seekers and their host communities in northern Côte d’Ivoire, highlighting the significant financial and logistical burdens involved.

The newly established West Africa refugee return framework aims to provide a clear legal and operational pathway for those wishing to return to Burkina Faso. These agreements are fundamentally designed to ensure that any repatriation process is entirely voluntary, conducted with safety paramount, and upholds the dignity of every individual involved. The tripartite nature of these agreements, involving the host countries, the country of origin, and the UNHCR, ensures a comprehensive and internationally recognized standard for refugee returns.

The ministerial meeting of the Lomé Dialogue, which preceded the signing, served as a crucial platform for high-level discussions and consensus-building among the participating nations. The collective commitment articulated by Minister Awaté reflects a shared understanding of the complex challenges posed by regional displacement and the imperative for coordinated, humane responses. These UNHCR tripartite agreements Togo has entered into, along with its neighbors, are therefore more than just administrative documents; they represent a tangible step towards durable solutions for one of the most pressing humanitarian crises in West Africa.

Lawyers advising international organizations, NGOs, or clients with operations in West Africa should be aware of these new tripartite agreements, as they establish the legal and operational framework for the voluntary repatriation of Burkinabe refugees, impacting human rights, immigration, and compliance considerations for aid and development work in the region.

Source: Original reporting via agency dispatch