ECOWAS Calls For Restraint In Togo

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has advocated for restraint in the face of continuous protest and brutalities by the military in Togo’s capital, Lome.

The Commission in a statement acknowledged the “regrettable” human and material consequences the events have had.

It proposed dialogue in addressing all outstanding concerns.

“In the interest of social cohesion, the ECOWAS Commission calls for restraint and urges all stakeholders to favour dialogue with a view to creating a peaceful socio-economic and political climate conducive to development.”

Meanwhile, it expressed its sympathy and remains available to contribute to efforts to preserve social peace in the Togolese Republic.

BBC reported two days ago that at least seven people had been killed during a crackdown on protesters who are calling for President Faure Gnassingbé to step down after he reviewed the country’s constitution that remains in power indefinitely.

A three-day demonstration by online activists and youth-led movements despite a protest ban by the government began on Thursday before erupting into violence on Friday and Saturday.

During the protest, some determined anti-government protesters engaged security forces in street battles in several areas considered to be opposition strongholds, including Bè, where police chased demonstrators into their hideouts, BBC reported.

It comes weeks after Gnassingbé, who was president for two decades and whose family has ruled the country for 58 years, was sworn into a new post of President of the Council of Ministers, which has no official term limits.

Source: https://opemsuo.com/author/hajara-fuseini/