Press Releases

Resignation of Interim President and Elections in Togo

Lome: Released on March 2, 2005

The United States is pleased that Faure Gnassingbe has stepped down as interim President of Togo, preparing for the return of full constitutional order.

The Economic Community of West African States has lifted its sanctions on Togo and the African Union has issued a statement on the Togolese transition. We welcome the success of these two organizations in upholding the principles of democracy and good governance enshrined in their charters. We join with them in urging all Togolese to conduct the upcoming elections peacefully and on the basis of consensus.

A key element for credible and transparent elections is unfettered access to the entire country and to all aspects of the electoral process for all political parties, relevant civil society organizations and international organizations providing assistance or fielding observer missions. The United States will send a team of elections experts to assess how we may best support this effort.

The United States applauds government security forces, the governing and opposition parties for their responsible and peaceful conduct during political demonstrations held over the weekend. We note with grave concern unrest in some quarters of Lomé. This unrest did not appear to have any association with the political demonstrations. We call on all Togolese to avoid violence and to seek peaceful national reconciliation through democratic elections.