Supporting Human Rights and Democracy: The U.S. Record 2005-2006

Togo

Togo is a republic governed by newly elected President Faure Gnassingbe, son of the late Gnassingbe Eyadema, who was in power for 38 years and unexpectedly died in February 2005. Eyadema and his political party Rally of the Togolese Persons (RPT), strongly backed by the armed forces, dominated politics, and maintained firm control over all levels of the country’s highly centralized Government until his death. Following some prohibited constitutional changes in the National Assembly, the military installed Faure Gnassingbe as the new President. Faure eventually bowed to sustained international pressure and stepped down to allow presidential elections. On April 24, Faure was declared President in an election marred by severe irregularities and violence. Following some initial positive steps in early 2005 and after Eyadema’s death, the Government’s human rights record worsened as it tightened its grip on power and cracked down on opposition voices. Security forces continued to be responsible for politically motivated killings, disappearances, rape, and other serious abuses. Because of the unstable post-election environment, 40,000 Togolese fled to neighboring countries. During the election period and in late 2005, harassment of journalists intensified. Violence and discrimination against women and trafficking in persons (TIP) remained serious problems. There were instances of prisoners dying while in detention and of security forces beating civilians without being brought to justice. The Government jailed and at times abused political opponents and critics. Arbitrary arrest and detention were problems, and long periods of pretrial detention were the norm. Trials were not fair or expeditious. Prison conditions remained very harsh. The Government limited workers’ rights on the issue of collective bargaining, and child labor was a problem.

The U.S. strategy to promote democracy and human rights focused on strengthening key Government and civil institutions through diplomatic and programmatic engagement. The United States raised the importance of human rights through sustained communication with Government officials, opposition leaders, civil society, international financial institutions, and other international donors. The Embassy pressed the Government to fulfill 22 democracy and human rights-related commitments made to the EU, to end military impunity, and to ensure a secure environment for refugees to safely return. The United States has encouraged all principal players to constructively engage in the political process and provided technical assistance and training to promote democratic ideals. In addition, the U.S. strategy included using public diplomacy resources to work with local NGOs, develop the capacity of political parties, and improve the human rights record of the military with limited International Military Education and Training programs.

The United States used the occasion of the Togolese presidential election as a vehicle to advance democratic political processes. The Embassy organized a radio voter education program, aired once per week for ten weeks. Each broadcast addressed a different aspect of elections, from explaining the election process and electoral laws to describing the role of media, civil society, Government entities, and youth in an election. The Embassy also held a discussion, targeted specifically at journalists, Government representatives, and political parties, about the roles various actors play during an election period. The United States sponsored a conference about the role of political parties in civic education. The Embassy held a training session for international election observers, and Embassy personnel also served as election monitors.

U.S. efforts to promote media liberties and freedom of speech included conferences, debates, and seminars on topics such as the role of media in a democracy, the relationship between the media and the Government, and how to affect non-violent political change. Several Togolese journalists were selected to take part in the International Visitors Leadership Program (IVLP). The United States also provided small grants to two radio stations to broadcast programming concerning democracy, citizens’ rights and duties, the constitution, and women in politics. The Embassy sponsored a media workshop to promote collaboration among independent journalists.

The Embassy supported NGOs in their work to educate women about their rights and potential for leadership roles, to instruct teachers, administrators, and students about human rights and civic education, and to eradicate the practice of female genital mutilation. The United States promoted good governance by financing periodicals publicizing legal information and civil society projects on ways to combat corruption.

The Embassy also supported the Government’s judicial reform project through various forms of assistance. To promote the rule of law, transparency, and the presumption of innocence in criminal proceedings, the Embassy organized discussions and presentations.

Limited security assistance allocations for Togo were dedicated to professionalizing the military and expanding its sensitivity to human rights issues.

Through educational programming, the Embassy supported various endeavors, such as campaigns to promote women’s rights. The Embassy initiated seminars encouraging women to engage in the political process and sent four women to the United States on IVLPs to promote the participation of women in politics. Additionally, the United States funded a local NGO to conduct a study on the participation of women in the Togolese Government and to present its findings to the Government. Togo also participates in a joint sub-regional project with the United States and the International Labor Organization for HIV/AIDS workplace education. This multi-year project is designed to combat discrimination in the workplace against people living with AIDS.

Togo’s Constitution provides for freedom of religion, and this right is generally respected. Amicable relations among various religious groups contributed to religious freedom. The United States discussed religious freedom issues with the Government as part of its overall policy to promote human rights. The Embassy provided Muslim women and girls scholarships to learn English and about religious freedom in the United States.

Following direct U.S. encouragement, the Government passed a law against TIP in 2005. The United States subsequently sent several Government officials and members of the security forces to a training session to learn investigative and prosecutorial techniques with respect to TIP. In 2004, the United States provided financing to an ongoing project that assisted with the reinsertion of a number of trafficked children into their families.