Togolese have heard little from their President since protests begun over five months ago demanding his exit from power and an end to attempts to prolong his stay in power.
Faure Gnassingbe has faced continued protests from the opposition political parties which have even refused to hold talks with the government to bring an end to their agitations demanding an end to the Gnassingbe dynasty.
This weekend the Togolese president would address the nation on New Year’s Eve ending the bi-annual national address delivered by the president each year with the other usually delivered on Independence Day.
Dictator of the Year awards go to @FEGnassingbe of #Togo. He managed to survive 5 months of massive protests demanding his resignation. Internet Shutdown, Killing and arrestation of protesters, unleashing militias to brutalized civilians… He really tried. #Fauremustgo pic.twitter.com/dbjq4FGtTK
— Farida Nabourema (@Farida_N) December 29, 2017
Protesters who have been relentless in their demands are eagerly waiting to hear from their president address their concerns.
The government has welcomed calls for a dialogue towards ending the political crisis which has been over the presidential term limit in Togo and the need for the current president to exit power.
The president of #Togo addresses the nation twice a year. On Independence Day eve and New Year’s eve. No matter what happens in between, don’t expect him to ever say something because as his minister of communication put it, he is a man of few words. So Sunday it is! #Togodebout
— Farida Nabourema (@Farida_N) December 29, 2017
People, imagine @FEGnassingbe comes on national tv on Saturday for his usual bi-annual address and announces his resignation? You better stop dreaming. We are too broke to afford dreams in #Togo. #FaureMustGo #Togodebout
— Farida Nabourema (@Farida_N) December 29, 2017
A referendum on the introduction of a two-term limit has been called by the government but there are signals it would further prolong the presidency of Gnassingbe until 2030.
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
