ugnet_: Constitutional 'coup' in Togo -BBC

[Omar Kezimbira]

Tuesday, 31 December, 2002, 10:13 GMT Constitutional 'coup' in Togo Parliament in Togo has changed the constitution removing clauses that would have forced the president to step down before elections next year. President Gnassingbe Eyadema seized power in a coup in 1967, making him Africa's longest-serving head of state. Profile: Gnassingbe Eyadema Africa's longest serving ruler Seized power in coup in 1967 Accused of human rights violations Accused of vote rigging Accused of dealing in blood diamonds The 65-year-old had said he would respect the constitution, raising hopes that he would not stand in presidential elections due next year. But the national assembly, which is dominated by members of President Eyadema's Rally of Togolese People, voted unanimously to amend the 1992 constitution forbidding him from seeking a third term in office. Opposition groups described the move as a constitutional coup. "We call on the Togolese people to mobilise immediately to oppose this 'coup de force' of President Eyadema," Jean-Pierre Fabre of the opposition Union of Forces for Change party said. The development is in stark contrast to Kenya's democratic handover on Monday when one of Africa's other "big men", Daniel arap Moi, stepped down after 24 years in power under constitutional arrangements preventing him from standing for office again. Contrast Mr Eyadema dominates the political landscape in Togo. His picture is prominently displayed on billboards across the country. His image is even on show on lapel badges routinely worn by government officials. Africa's top 5 'Big Men' Togo: Gnassingbe Eyadema - April 1967 Gabon: Omar Bongo - December 1967 Libya: Muammar Gaddafi - 1969 Angola: Jose Eduardo dos Santos - 1979 Zimbabwe: Robert Mugabe - 1980 But there is fierce criticism of him by the opposition and from international donors. Elections held in October intended to boost Togo's standing abroad were boycotted by the main opposition parties. The European Union and other western countries suspended their cooperation with Togo in 1993, after hundreds of people died in political and social unrest in the early 1990s. President Eyadema has shrugged off criticism of his country's lack of democracy and allegations of widespread human rights abuses to carve out a role as a regional peacemaker. At present he is chief mediator between Ivory Coast rebels and the government after an uprising in September led to the partition of the country in two.

See also: 30 Dec 02 | Africa Africa's big men and the ballot 30 Oct 02 | Africa Ruling party wins Togo election 25 Oct 02 | Africa Togo poll without opposition 31 Aug 01 | Africa Togo's president signals end of reign 15 Mar 02 | Africa Togo president frees opposition leader 27 Nov 01 | Africa Togo urged to free political prisoners 15 Nov 01 | Business African shipping hub for Togo 21 Jul 99 | Africa Togo to sue Amnesty International Internet links: Togo government Togo information links Amnesty International on Togo BBC Afrique The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites Top Africa stories now: Constitutional 'coup' in Togo Zimbabwe paper back on streets Angola's momentous year New Kenya leader promises reform Compensation ruled out in cricket row DR Congo rebels sign ceasefire French troops meet Ivorian rebels April election in Guinea Bissau Links to more Africa stories are at the foot of the page.

	E-mail this story to a friend

---

Do you Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Mail Plus - Powerful. Affordable. Sign up now