Religious groups seek postponement of Togo parliamentary elections
As tensions over the scheduled Dec. 20 elections continue to rise, religious groups have begun to express their concern
The Force Vives Espérance pour le Togo (Living Forces of Hope for Togo) movement have called for a citizens assembly planned for Dec. 16. (Photo by Charles Ayetan)
By Charles Ayetan,Lomé | Togo
Togo government security forces quelled a series of demonstrations on Dec. 8 and 10 calling for the postponement of the parliamentary elections scheduled for Dec. 20. Several deaths resulted.
As tensions over the forthcoming elections continue to rise, religious groups have begun to express their concern.
In a joint statement published on Dec. 3, the Presbyterian and Methodist churches called on "competent authorities to prioritize the search for consensual and lasting solutions to the current crisis and to postpone the parliamentary elections scheduled for Dec. 20 for several months."
The Association of Muslim Managers in Togo adopted a similar position, calling on the government "humbly but with conviction to postpone the election in the interests of all Togolese people."
In a Nov. 15 pastoral letter, the Catholic Church also condemned "the unilateral preparation of elections" and called on political actors to dialogue.
The Dec. 8 and 10 demonstrations followed a call from a coalition of 14 opposition political parties (C14) launched on Dec. 5.
Despite a government prohibition, demonstrations calling for a halt in the election process took place in the streets of Lomé, Kpalimé, Sokodé, Tchamba, Bafilo and Mango.
In a report presented on Dec. 8, the government announced two deaths and several wounded, including four among security forces, had occurred as well as 28 arrests. Other sources referred to four deaths.
The toll continued to rise on Dec. 10 with a strong security presence in major cities while the situation across the nation remained tense.
On Dec. 9, Opposition leader, Jean-Pierre Fabre condemned what he characterized as "the murderous stupidity of the regime."
A citizens movement made up of several Togolese civil society groups and known as "Forces vives espérance pour le Togo" (Living force for hope in Togo) also condemned police repression.
"Has the Togolese government abandoned its mission to protect individuals and simply become a repressive apparatus for arbitrary arrests and killings?" the group asked in a statement published on Dec. 10.
In their statement, the citizens movement also called for a new series of demonstrations including a citizen resistance gathering to take place in Lomé on Dec. 16.
Bangladeshi women defy the odds with new champion
Nepal shaping up as the Grinch who 'stole' Christmas
The pope speaks to the Jesuits
Catholic groups work to keep UN climate deal on track
Rwanda diocese roots out fake religious artifacts at markets
Ukraine is not Melos...
"Is he well advised?": in Ukraine, ongoing criticism of Pope Francis
MLK & his mentors
Shia mourning ritual: the pulsing nerve of Iran's protests?
Islamic brotherhoods: a bulwark against religious terrorism