Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Lome (Fides Service)- “There will be real change here in this country only when the people have overcome their fear. Fear of being arrested, fear of being murdered on the way to work or by army squads which come in the middle of the night to take you away for ever” said local sources commenting the latest political and diplomatic initiatives to put and end to the crisis in Togo which came after elections on 24 April.
“We cannot hail the return of democracy or normality as long as people are forced to hide or flee the country” the source told Fides. “People have stocked up on food, many prominent citizens and also religious leaders think it safer not to go home or to work. The crisis is by no means over unfortunately. Unless there is a miracle”.
Elected President Faure Gnassingbé Eyadéma who succeeds his father Gnassingbé Eyadéma is preparing a government of national unity. But the Opposition, which has protested against the election of Faure Gnassingbe Eyadéma denouncing fraud and intimidation, refuses to be part of it.
In this context people continue to flee to nearby countries. About 17,000 have taken refuge in Benin and Ghana. Caritas Benin is distributing food to the new arrivals. In Lokossa diocese, Caritas parish groups are helping refugee families with food and other aid. Many refugees are sheltering in Hillacondji parish and the injured have been taken to hospital at Come and to other medical centres .
Caritas Italy said that about 110.000 Euro are necessary to assist 10,000 refugees for the next three months to provide monthly rations of 12 kg of rice, 1.4 kg of beans, 1 litre of oil, half a kilo of sugar, 280 grams of tomatoes, 0.15 kg of salt. This sum will also allow the distribution of plates, pots, cups and mats and installation of sanitary equipment in camps.
The international Caritas network took immediate steps to help Caritas Benin by launching an emergency appeal. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 6/5/2005 righe 32 parole 401)
