20. December in Togo parliamentary elections, in the midst of the most severe political crisis in years. Some opposition parties not to do in the first place, the fear in the population grows.
Police officers arrest a protesters in April 2018
The threats come via WhatsApp. Since the days of the anonymous messages which will be disseminated through messaging services and Social networks are circulating in Togo. Remains on the day of the election rather be home, is it in the messages, there could be a wave of violence, a covers you with food. “Life goes on as normal, but you feel a great tension,” reports DW-Reporter Kossivi Tiassou from the capital city of Lomé.
It is unclear who is behind the Threats. The government calls on the population to remain calm and to go to the polls. “On the streets, soldiers and military are to be seen,” says DW Reporter Tiassou. On the day of the election shall be according to the government, more than 8,000 police officers.
Togo is in a deep crisis
Even without Threats, fear of violence is great. Just a few days ago four people died in clashes between protesters and security forces. A coalition of 14 opposition parties called the C14, is boycotting the election. She was “a Farce” scolded C14-coordinator Brigitte Abjamagbo-Johnson on a local radio station. The majority of the 850 candidates are competing for 91 seats in Parliament, belong to the state party, PTR or its allies, smaller opposition groups.
President Gnassingbés family has ruled Togo for the past 50 years
The C14 request to postpone the vote and first reforms. Togo’s since 2017 in the crisis, various opposition parties had called for mass protests against the head of state, Faure Gnassingbé. Let the protests bloodily suppressed strike, more than 20 people died. Family Gnassingbe ruled the country for over 50 years with an iron Hand. Already a father, Eyadéma was for decades the President, after his death in 2005, the son heaved with the help of the military to Power.
The Opposition makes the head of state for the rampant poverty and corruption in the country, but also for the pressure on critical media and the Opposition. It calls for an amendment to the Constitution, so Gnassingbé can no longer compete as President.
Own goal from the Opposition?
“It’s a tremendous tension in the country prevails,” says Hanza Diman, Togo expert at the University of Bayreuth to the German wave. Attempts of the West African community of States ECOWAS to mediate in the crisis failed. Although reform proposals are on the table, which now must be from the Parliament decided. The government proposes, among other things, that future President can only govern for two terms. However, for the incumbent, Gnassingbe, the regulation should not apply.
Again and again there are demonstrations against President Gnassingbe (archive image)
The election boycott could damage the Opposition may be. “Due to the opposition boycott, the government will win with great security, a large majority, and thus enough votes in Parliament to have the reforms, so, as you want it. If the Opposition does not agree, the political crisis,” says Paul Melly, a West Africa expert at the British think-tank Chatham House in a DW Interview.
However, a continuation of the crisis could have dire consequences. Jobs in the poverty-stricken Togo is scarce. Except for phosphorus, there are no significant export products. Like the country would attract more investment from abroad, what is in the current location almost impossible. “If the Situation continues as in the past, it is for foreign investors difficult. Anyone who is planning a larger investment, especially in the poor inland from Togo would like to a stable and peaceful political environment,” said Paul Melly.