Togo opposition coalition rejects mediation by La Francophonie

Togo’s opposition coalition on Tuesday turned down a proposed international mediation effort in relation to a political crisis that has dogged the country since August.

A delegation from the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF) was due in the country but is likely not to meet opposition parties. It is not known whether the delegation will proceed and hold talks with the government.

The 14-party coalition is calling for the immediate stepping down of the incumbent Faure Gnassingbe as they push for the end to what they say is a 50 year family dynasty that has ruled the West African country.

Protests which started in late August led to two deaths. The opposition has also held series of protests through September calling for Faure to leave and also for a return to two term presidential limits as contained in the 1992 constitution.

Faure’s father, Eyadema, was president for 38 years till his death in 2005. Faure – at the time a minister – stood in polls and won his first mandate. He won a second and third mandate in 2010 and 2015. His current mandate runs till 2020.

At the height of the protests, the ruling party moved to amend laws to revert to two–term presidency. The law will, however, not take retrospective effect, meaning Faure could stand for two more terms in 2020 nd 2025.