Togo president in power-sharing talks
Togo’s new President Faure Gnassingbe and his chief opponent were in the Nigerian capital Abuja today to discuss power-sharing in his tiny West African nation, still tense after last month’s presidential ballot.
Regional heads of state including Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo were participating in and hosting the talks, continuing their efforts to bring calm to Togo and ensure it does not become a source of more instability for West Africa.
Togo’s neighbours have suggested a government of national unity as a solution.
“The president is optimistic that talks will pave the way for peace and stability in Togo,” Obasanjo’s spokeswoman Remi Oyo said.
The 15-nation Economic Community of West African States has closely monitored events in Togo, helping force Gnassingbe to step down after Togo’s military installed him to replace his father, longtime dictator Gnassingbe Eyadema, who died of a heart attack on February 5.
After the international intervention, the son called April 24 elections.
Opposition parties have accused Gnassingbe of rigging the vote and refused to participate in a government they see as illegitimate.
Gnassingbe’s victory sparked days of riots that left dozens dead and more than 30,000 people fled to neighbouring Benin and Ghana.
Gilchrist Olympio, Togo’s main opposition leader, said it was unlikely any agreement would be reached today.
Earlier this week, the main Togolese opposition coalition said an independent commission must be set up to investigate allegations of fraud during the vote, and its results would have to be published before participation in a power-sharing government could be considered.
