Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Lome (Fides Service)- “It is true there is no fighting on the streets but tension is still high and people are still frightened. The army continues to kill people known to oppose the regime” local sources in Togo told Fides. “yesterday in a town near the border with Benin 14 were killed” the sources said.
“The threat of civil war is ever-present. People are wondering what will happen when the results of the April 24 election are announced. If the confirm the victory of the regime’s candidate Faure Gnassibé Eyadéma the opposition could unleash more violence, and this time the demonstrators could be armed” the sources told Fides. “Up to now only the army has used weapons. The demonstrators were armed with sticks or at the most with one or two Molotov cocktails. For years Togo has been the centre of arms trafficking destined for nearby countries and this time the weapons could be used here”.
Some observers say the army itself is divided, as it was seen when lower army ranks voted en masse for the Opposition (see Fides 29 April 2005). It the army splits the country will be thrown into chaos.
“Information is still blocked, no access to the Internet, several radio stations, not in line with the regime, are still silent, including the local Catholic broadcaster Radio Maria” the sources told Fides. “There is pressure also on the local Church. Some parish Justice and Peace Commissions which organised monitoring service for the elections were attacked by media close to the government”
“We are grateful to Benedict XVI for remembering Togo in his message for the Regina Coeli on Sunday 1 May. We rely on his prayers and interest with the world powers to help Togo find the path of peace and democracy” the sources told Fides. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 3/5/2005 righe 29 parole 352)
