Togo child prostitute crackdown

[Eugene]

Last Updated: Tuesday, 2 August 2005, 10:02 GMT 11:02 UK

Togo child prostitute crackdown

Poor children are supplied to the labour markets in the capital
Security forces have raided brothels in the Togolese capital, Lome,
arresting more than 200 people, reports say.

The operation follows a government statement broadcast on radio
stations announcing its intention to tackle the prostitution of
children.

Many underage girls were among those arrested in the raid called
Operation Knockout, the government says.

The BBC's Ebow Godwin in Lome says child prostitution is becoming an
increasing problem in Togo's cities.

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Thousands of Togolese children and young teenagers are supplied to the
labour markets in Lome and to nearby Benin, Nigeria and Gabon.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/4737563.stm