The Togolese political dialogue resumed on Wednesday, June 27, in the presence of Presidents Alpha Condé of Guinea and Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana, facilitators appointed by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). These new discussions take place after the suspension of March 23, following irreconcilable positions posted by both parties.
Arriving in Lome in the morning, the Guinean president was taken to the hotel on February 2 by his counterpart Faure Gnassingbe who had withdrawn immediately. The Ghanaian, meanwhile, there since Tuesday night. “The facilitators will support the political actors in achieving constitutional reforms in compliance with legal deadlines, the principles of democracy and the rule of law,” said Jean-Claude Brou, president of the commission of the organization, in his opening speech.
The latter had presided in early June, a preparatory consultation meeting bringing together both sides of the crisis. They had decided to draw up a roadmap for “a consensual and lasting resolution of the socio-political crisis”.
“Togolese and Togolese of all socio-professional categories as well as the West African region are waiting for this meeting to pave the way for a sociopolitical climate that has been relaxed and appeased,” the Ivorian said, adding that “these conditions are necessary for the maintenance of peace and stability in the country for a harmonious eco and social development “.
For their part, the two heads of state of ECOWAS called on the government and the opposition to make concessions. “Throughout my tenure as head of the African Union, I said that African problems must be resolved by Africans (…) and that we are able to take our destinies in hand,” said Alpha Condé.
“We do not come to Togo to support this or that, nor to give lessons. Our goal is to accompany the Togolese political class to find a peaceful solution for the happiness of the Togolese people, “he concluded.
