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Subject:
Crisis Talks: Togo & West Africa
From:
e3ryarl <[log in to unmask]>
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Date:
Sat, 12 Feb 2005 14:49:20 -0700
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** Please visit our website: http://www.africanassociation.org **

BBC NEWS: Saturday, 12 February, 2005, 17:23 GMT

Togo at West African crisis talks

Two protesters were killed in the capital Lome
Officials from Togo have begun talks with the leaders of other west African states which have condemned as a coup the installation of a new president.

After the death of President Gnassingbe Eyadema, the Togolese military declared that his son, Faure Gnassingbe, was the new head of state.  Mr Gnassingbe is not at the talks in Niger, but has sent a delegation.

The west African leaders had warned they might impose sanctions if the Togolese did not turn up.  Back in Togo, there have been clashes in the capital, Lome, where several thousand people staged a protest against the transfer of power.  Two people died when police opened fire.

Saturday's demonstrations saw protesters throw stones and the security forces deploy tear gas alongside live ammunition.

Police also used tear gas to break up a sit-in protest by the opposition in the capital, Lome, a day earlier.

Rallies have been banned by the new government, and police have closed down a private radio station, Lumiere, accusing it of "incitement to revolt and hatred".

Apology demanded

On Friday, the west African leaders - led by President Tandja Mamadou of Niger - cancelled a visit to Togo to see the new president after he switched the venue for their meeting from the capital to his northern base of Kara.

The African Union and the United Nations have also condemned the army's appointment of Mr Gnassingbe.

The West African regional grouping, Ecowas, is threatening immediate sanctions - including suspension from the grouping - if the situation is not reversed.

They have also demanded an apology for what they say was Togo's undignified treatment of Nigeria after its officials were turned away on Friday.

The Togolese delegation in Niger is headed by Prime Minister Koffi Sama.

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