Togo: Call for Government of National Unity and an End to Violence

Togo: Call for Government of National Unity and an End to Violence

The United States calls on Togo to form a government of national unity. President Gnassingbé, who was sworn in on 4 May, has stated that he aims to form a national unity government and to advance democratic reforms. The Secretary and President Obasanjo of Nigeria in their discussion this morning agreed that a unity government was an essential step for Togo to move forward. We urge Togo’s two principal political forces to enter into a dialogue leading to a genuine power-sharing government. We strongly support efforts by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to promote this. Reforming Togo’s electoral laws and institutions must be a top priority of that government. Togo cannot afford to lose another opportunity for peaceful national reconciliation. We stand ready to support the people of Togo and efforts to foster national unity.

The United States urges President Gnassingbé to end violence against opposition supporters that has led over 20,000 Togolese to seek refuge in neighboring Benin and Ghana. We regret that national reconciliation in Togo suffered a setback from the flawed electoral process, the resort to violence by both sides and the failure of the election authority to act in a politically neutral fashion. Brutality by security forces and ruling party militia, and the rejection of dialog by some opposition leaders, further set back reconciliation.

SOURCE: state.gov 2005/475 Released on May 5, 2005 Press Statement Richard Boucher, Spokesman Washington, DC May 5, 2005