The Holy Year 2025, inaugurated December 29 in the Diocese of Dapaong is “an invitation to hope for a better tomorrow,” according to Bishop Dominique Guigbile. This region has been marked by tragic attacks with severe human and material consequences in recent years.

Since November 2021, the northern region of Togo, where the diocese is located, has been experiencing deadly attacks despite the “Koundjoaré” military operation launched in September 2018 to combat insecurity and terrorism. In addition to loss of life and material destruction, thousands of people, fearing violence or already affected, have fled to safer areas.

“Just days ago, my parents were forced to leave their village in the Kpendjal prefecture under threat of being killed if they returned,” shared Michel, a parishioner from Dapaong city. Another parishioner lamented, “For years, we’ve been living in fear due to attacks and hidden landmines. Victims of violence or killings often suffer behavioral disorders and need psychological care.”

Against this backdrop of insecurity and anxiety, the Bishop of Dapaong inaugurated the Holy Door of St. Charles Lwanga Cathedral, marking the diocesan opening of the 2025 Jubilee Year, launched in Rome by Pope Francis December 24. Delegations of priests and parishioners, including those from at-risk areas, attended the event, seeking a source of hope in the Jubilee.

“Despite the many crises, disasters, wars, and various forms of violence shaking our world,” Bishop Guigbile called on Christians “to be tangible signs of hope for the many brothers and sisters living in distress, poverty, or deprived of freedom and human rights—especially prisoners, the sick, the youth, women, migrants, and the elderly.”

“More generosity”

At the Jubilee’s opening, Bishop Guigbile called for solidarity with those in need, including displaced persons, throughout this Holy Year, which will conclude on January 6, 2026. To support those displaced by terrorism in the Diocese of Dapaong, the bishop established the Emergency Assistance Committee for Victims of Attacks in the Savanes Region (CAUVARS) in June 2022. Led by Vicar General Father Gustave Wanme, it initially recorded 10,000 to 20,000 displaced persons in its first months of operation.

“During the Jubilee Year,” explained Father Wanme, “we will continue emphasizing generosity while providing ongoing support to displaced persons.” Through donation drives, CAUVARS aims to collect food, clothing, and money to assist displaced individuals, including healthcare. However, “above all,” Father Wanme stressed, Catholics and the broader population are encouraged “to welcome and provide shelter to displaced persons.”

Several aid campaigns were conducted in 2022 and 2023, followed by more targeted efforts in 2024 to assist parishes with the greatest needs.

The first national celebration of the 2025 Jubilee in Togo will take place February 8 at Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in Mango, with the second on October 19, at the cathedral in Dapaong, in the presence of all the country's Catholic bishops.