Togo Military Flouts National Constitution
MONTREAL - FEB. 8, 2005 – Rights & Democracy strongly condemns the military coup d'état in Togo last Saturday and the ex post facto constitutional changes by Togo's National Assembly the following day that allowed Faure Gnassing to succeed his father, Gnassing Eyadema, as President of Togo. Gnassing Eyadema died of a heart attack Feb. 5 at the age of 69.
Rights & Democracy called Faure Gnassing's installation as Togo's new leader nothing short of political and constitutional banditry. In support of its civil society partners in Togo, Rights & Democracy is demanding that constitutional law be upheld and that free, democratic and transparent elections be held in a timely manner with the presence of international monitors in order to resolve Togo's political crisis.
The deceased president held power in the West African country of Togo since 1967, a 38-year reign during which he systematically blocked any efforts toward democratization.
"With the civil war raging in Côte d'Ivoire, West Africa can ill afford another crisis," said Jean-Louis Roy, President of Rights & Democracy. "We were pleased by Canada's condemnation of the 'military coup d'état' and we are calling on the Canadian authorities to engage in very active diplomacy in Togo, alongside the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States, the European Union and the Francophonie. Togo finally has a real opportunity to open its doors to democracy and human rights."
Rights & Democracy has been involved in Togo since 1992, supporting several civil society initiatives to promote democracy and respect for human rights in a context of political crisis and a difficult transition. The death of Gnassing Eyadema offers a golden opportunity to seriously embark on the path towards democracy.
For More Information
Louis Moubarak (ext 261) or Steve Smith (ext 255) at Rights & Democracy, 514-283-6073.
