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African union accuses togo military of coup { February 8 2005 } Original Source Link: (May no longer be active)
http://www.news.com.au/story/0,10117,12184168-23109,00.htmlhttp://www.news.com.au/story/0,10117,12184168-23109,00.html
Togo's new president sworn in
By Emile Kouton in Lome
February 08, 2005
From: Agence France-Presse
TOGO'S new president, Faure Gnassingbe, was today sworn in amid tight security to succeed his deceased father, west African strongman Gnassingbe Eyadema, in a move which has sparked strong international protest.
Mr Gnassingbe, 39, took the oath of office in front of members of the constitutional court at a ceremony attended by government ministers, members of parliament, army officers and a few diplomats.
Former colonial power France issued a clarion call for "swift" elections to choose a legitimate leader for the tiny country, which has been cut off from international aid since 1993 for "democratic deficiencies".
The erstwhile minister of mines, telecommunications and postal service was chosen by the military late on Saturday to fill the power vacuum left by the death of his father, the longest-ruling leader on the world's poorest continent.
Under the existing constitution, the head of the national assembly was next in line for the presidency that was held continuously by Mr Eyadema for 38 years.
Togo's legislature yesterday pushed through a series of constitutional amendments to retroactively grant legal legitimacy to the military power play, reinstalling Mr Gnassingbe as a deputy before elevating him to the top legislative spot.
He was then chosen in a unanimous vote by the 67 deputies present from the 81-member legislature to become president.
Further constitutional amendments gave future assembly presidents the ability to serve out a deceased president's full term, which, in this case, means until June 2008.
"In the terrible sadness fallen on our nation following the death of the father of our country, I take as a great honour the responsibility you have bestowed upon me," Mr Gnassingbe told the assembled lawmakers yesterday.
"Togo has engaged, without restriction, in a process of democratisation and openness that I intend to see through to the end with your precious support."
The decision has provoked vivid international criticism, led by the African Union (AU), which decried the move as a military coup d'etat.
The US State Department urged Togo to respect its constitution and move towards full democracy, while the European Union hinted that the move could inhibit nascent dialogue aimed at resupplying the country of 4.7 million with development aid.
"Events that seem to be coming out since the demise of the president do not give us sufficient comfort that peace will follow the death," Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, chairman of the AU, told delegates attending an international tourism conference in the Zambian capital.
"African leaders must ensure that there is no political instability in that country. The path of democracy must be followed before we welcome the succession."
Security was tight around the national assembly and the nearby presidential palace this morning, with helmeted soldiers piled into pick-up trucks mounted with heavy machine-guns stationed at every intersection in the capital, Lome. A helicopter made lazy circles over the city, while roads were blocked off.
There were no visible signs of dissent or tensions in Lome. Most stores were open and traffic was moving at its regular morning clip but for the blocked-off roads around the legislature.
Communications Minister Pitang Tchalla blasted the international media today for its "calls for revolt" even as the country was trying to maintain peace and stability.
"They have spent three days beating a dead horse - it's manipulation, destabilisation, pure and simple," he told reporters.
"We demand that the international media open their microphones for all sides."
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