Togo
French Togoland became Togo in 1960. President Gnassingbe Eyadema seized power in 1967, and ruled unchallenged until the early 1990s when popular pressure encouraged him to legalize political parties and to hold elections, which, however, were condemned as unfair. Although political parties were legalized in 1991 and a democratic constitution was adopted in 1992, the regime was accused of suppressing opposition and cheating in elections. A joint UN-Organization of African Unity panel was set up in September 2000 to investigate Amnesty International allegations that several hundred people were killed at the time of controversial elections in 1998. The investigation concluded that there had been systematic human rights violations. Gnassingbe Eyadema's regime was the repeated target of criticism over its human rights record and political governance.
President Eyadema died in early 2005 after 38 years in power. The military's immediate but short-lived installation of his son, Faure Gnassingbe, as president provoked widespread international condemnation. Faure stood down and called elections which he won in April 2005; the opposition cried foul and said the vote was rigged. A regional delegation said the elections had been broadly free and fair, despite isolated problems. The succession of events led to renewed questions about Togo's commitment to democracy, especially as political violence surrounding the presidential poll prompted around 40,000 Togolese to flee to neighboring countries.
Two months later, the leader of a moderate opposition party, Edem Kodjo, was named as prime minister. Kodjo led the government during the 1990s under Faure's father. Most key posts went to the ruling party and Faure's brother is the defense minister.
There are currently no known threats to travelers to or expatriates in Togo. However, Togo has experienced periodic violence, strikes, and political tensions since 1990. These periods of unrest often lead to a clampdown by security forces, particularly in Lome. Travelers should avoid political rallies and street demonstrations and maintain security awareness at all times. Corruption, lack of discipline and scant resources are notable concerns regarding the security forces.
