Some 30,000 Togolese were refugees at the end of 1996, including about 20,000 in Ghana and 10,000 in Benin. Togo hosted approximately 10,000 refugees from Ghana. An estimated 60,000 Togolese refugees repatriated during 1996. Some 200,000 refugees and thousands of internally displaced persons have returned to their homes during the past three years. Togolese Repatriation Togo produced large numbers of refugees for the first time in its history in 1993. As many as 240,000 Togolese fled to neighboring countries to escape a violent crackdown by the president and military against democratic reforms. Most refugees were from the Togolese capital, Lome. About half of the refugees managed to repatriate during 1993-94, but some were forced to flee again after encountering further persecution in Togo. Togolese leaders announced a general amnesty for refugees in late 1994. About 30,000 refugees returned during 1995, more than two thirds with UNHCR assistance. UNHCR resumed its organized repatriation program in April 1996. About 60,000 returned during the year, two thirds of whom headed home in the last half of the year. The "vast majority" faced no significant protection problems after their return, according to UNHCR. The agency appealed to international donors for $9 million and received about one third that amount by year's end. UNHCR provided three-month food rations and the equivalent of $50 per household to assist refugees' return and reintegration. UNHCR provided funds to rehabilitate schools and stock medical centers in returnee areas. Most refugees indicated that they would be returning to homes in Lome. UNHCR planned to complete its organized repatriation program in April 1997. As many as 15,000 Togolese refugees might choose to remain in asylum due to their prominent opposition to Togo's ruling party and their fear of persecution, sources predicted. Ghanaian Refugees Conflict in northern Ghana during 1994 forced some 15,000 Ghanaians into Togo. An estimated 10,000 remained in Togo at the end of 1996, including about 2,000 who arrived 15 years ago. Togo's reception to the refugees has been generally hospitable. Most resided in solid shelters rather than in tents or huts. Some lived with Togolese relatives. At least half of the refugees have received farm land and have apparently become integrated into local Togolese communities. Most families received seeds and farm tools during the year. The majority of Ghanaian refugees have indicated a desire to remain in Togo for the forseeable future, perhaps permanently. UNHCR has geared its operations to support the refugees' self-sufficiency and local integration, and planned to cease food distributions in 1997. Denial of Entry Togo was one of several West African nations that denied entry to some 400 boat refugees from Liberia in June 1996. The refugees were passengers aboard the Zolotitsa, which spent a week off the coast of Togo seeking permission to land. Togolese authorities supplied the vessel with food, water, and medical supplies. U.S. government officials urged Togo to "allow this ship to land. That is the humanitarian thing to do. We think they have an obligation to do that." Togolese authorities refused the request, and the boat ultimately returned to Liberia.
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