The opposition in Togo on Tuesday refused to hold talks with the government to bring an end to the agitations demanding an end to the Gnassingbe dynasty.
The opposition has been holding series of protests against President Faure Gnassingbe for months now. The government has welcomed calls for a dialogue towards ending the political crisis in the West African nation.
The political crisis has been over the presidential term limit in Togo and the need for the current president to exit power.
The government has called for a referendum on the introduction of a two-term limit but there are signals it would further prolong the presidency of Gnassingbe until 2030.
Only five out of the 14 parties comprising the main opposition were invited for the talks to be held in the capital, Lome.
Opposition coalition spokesperson Brigitte Adjamagbo-Johnson is quoted by the AFP to have sai that the alliance refused to attend the meeting due to government’s “diversionary tactic.”
“We are very vigilant in the coalition, we consult with each other about our joint position,” she said.
Adjamagbo-Johnson called the government “unfit” to lead the talks adding that “The current crisis runs deep. The regime has to acknowledge that”.
There have been government crackdown on protests leading to some arrests and deaths, with some Togolese feeling to neighbouring Ghana although some have since returned.
Faure Gnassingbe has been in power since 2005. He took over from his father General Gnassingbe Eyadema who died after staying in power for 38 years.
Source: Africafeeds.com
