COUNTRY PROFILE

Togo, a narrow strip of land on Africa's west coast, has for years been the target of criticism over its human rights record and more recently over its alleged support for the Angolan rebel group Unita in defiance of international sanctions. The political crisis has brought anarchy and violence to the country, half the population of Lom‚ fleeing to Ghana and Benin. A period of intense anti-Christian rhetoric in the 70's has cooled to an official indifference. In 1978, 20 religious groups were banned; only Muslim, Catholics and five Protestant churches were legally permitted to function. In 1990, a greater freedom for other churches and missions to minister was granted.

OVERVIEW

Togo formed part of the Slave Coast, from where captives were shipped abroad by European slavers during the 17th Century. In 1884 it became the German protectorate of Togoland. It was seized by Britain and France at the start of World War I, divided and administered under League of Nations mandates. The British-ruled western part was later incorporated into what is now Ghana. France granted independence in 1960 and Togo's first President, Sylvanus Olympio, was assassinated in a military coup three years later. The current president, Gnassingbe Eyadema, seized power in a 1967 coup and dissolved all political parties. Although political parties were legalized in 1991 and a democratic constitution was adopted in 1992, the leadership has been accused of suppressing opposition and cheating in elections. A joint United Nations-Organization of African Unity panel was set up in September 2000 to investigate Amnesty International allegations that several hundred people were killed at the time of controversial elections in 1998. Another UN panel was set up to probe claims that Togo and other countries have been breaching sanctions by assisting Unita's war effort. 

FACTS

Population: 5 million
Capital: Lom‚
Major languages: French (official), local languages
Major religions: Indigenous beliefs, Christianity, Islam
Form of government: Multiparty republic 
Monetary unit: 1 CFA (Communaute Financiere Africaine) franc = 100 centimes 
Main exports: Cocoa, phosphates, coffee, cotton
Internet domain: .tg
Time zone: GMT
International dialing code: +228

LEADERS


President: 
Gnassingbe Eyadema 

Born in 1937, Eyadema is Africa's longest serving leader. He served in the French army, returned to Togo in 1962 and took part in the 1963 coup. He seized power in 1967, and ruled unchallenged until the early 1990s when popular pressure encouraged him to legalize political parties and to hold elections, which, however, have been condemned as unfair. Eyadema has said he won't stand for re-election in 2003. In July 2000 he became chairman of the Organization of African Unity. Prime Minister: Mensan Agbeyome Kodjo; Foreign Minister: Koffi Panou; Interior Minister: Sizing Akawilou Walla; Finance Minister: Tamkpadja Lalle; Defense Minister: Assani Tidjani. 

MEDIA

Togo's only significant television station is the government-owned Television Togolaise, the only daily is the government-owned Togo-Presse and four of the 11 private radio stations are government-owned or associated with the ruling party, Rassemblement du Peuple Togolais (RPT). Although the constitution provides for freedom of the press, the government does not follow this practice. A number of private newspapers are published, but independent journalists are subject to harassment and a perpetual threat of criminal charges. Private radio and television stations generally reinforce government policies and offer little independent or local coverage. 

The Press
Togo-Presse - government daily
Nouveau Combat - private weekly
Le Combat du People - opposition newspaper
L'Evenement - private newspaper
L'Aurore - private weekly
L'Exile - opposition weekly 

Radio
Radiodiffusion Togolaise - national broadcaster
Metropolys Lome Radio Nostalgie - private
Radio Kara - private
Radio Liberte - private/opposition

Television
Television Togolaise (TVT) - government owned 

OBSTACLES TO MINISTRY

• Young people were adversely affected during the '70s by the godless and anti-Christian atmosphere in schools.
• The church was stagnant between 1960 and 1985.

SPIRITUAL POWER POINTS

• A government that has been under considerable investigation for its support of the Angolan rebel group Unita.
• Growing strength of Islam.

Special thanks to Patrick Johnstone's, "Operation World" publisher, ISBN# 0-310-40031-7; and country profiles by the BBC

IN THE NEWS

Togo dictator dies; son, Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, new President of the Republic of Togo 
  
The President Gnassingbé Eyadema of Togo, Africa's longest-ruling leader, died Saturday as he was being rushed to Europe for treatment of a heart attack, officials said. His son, Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, was named the new leader, the armed forces of Togo announced. President Gnassingbé Eyadema, 69, "suffered a heart attack early Saturday in his hometown of Piya in south-eastern Togo and later died," said Barry Moussa Barkue, special adviser to the Togolese President.

Hours later, "Togo's military high command announced on state television that President Eyadema's 35-year-old son, Faure Gnassingbé, is the West African nation's new president." This was reported by the Togolese government's website yesterday. According to reports by the UN, the armed forces in practical terms have taken control of Togo. The military was reported to have "immediately suspended the constitution" to be able to name Mr Gnassingbé the country's new President instead of the Vice President.

Speaking on state radio, Togo's Prime Minister, Koffi Sama, called upon the security forces to keep law and order. He also announced all land and air borders to the tiny West African country had been closed. "All the country's political, social, religious leaders must avoid any act likely to plunge the country into anarchy and confusion," Prime Minister Sama said.

A little later, General Zachari Nandja, the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, also read a statement on state television. "The Togolese armed forces swear allegiance to Faure Gnassingbé as President of the Republic of Togo," said General Nandja, who was flanked by the country's other top military commanders.

Faure Essozimma Gnassingbe

President Eyadema has ruled Togo with an iron hand since 1967, when he came to power following Africa's first post-colonial coup. His dictatorial government has been accused of terrible human rights violations, and Togo has been barred from receiving foreign development aid due to the lack of democracy in the country.
Foreigners were today advised against travelling to Togo "until the situation clarifies," the British Foreign Office said in a statement. In any case, all borders, ports and airports are reported to have been closed. "Members of the British community in Togo should keep a low profile until the situation becomes clearer," London emphasized.