Deadly stampede at Togo presidential palace

A celebration at the gates of Togo President Gnassingbe Eyadema’s palace turned into a stampede on Saturday, killing at least 13 people as excited crowds tried to surge on to palace grounds.

A government statement confirmed the 13 deaths. Officials warned the toll could climb, as hospitals treated scores of other victims.

The celebration was called to mark the easing of 11 years of European Union sanctions against Eyadema, Africa’s longest-ruling leader.

Large crowds of Eyadema’s party members and others marched through the capital on Saturday to Eyadema’s palace.

When the palace gates were thrown open to admit them, the crushing throngs of celebrants tried to push through at once.

Flip-flops and men’s and women’s shoes, torn off in the crush, lay abandoned at the gates on Saturday after the stampede.

Aid workers still were treating at least 50 people trampled by the crowd.

The EU announced on Monday it will resume limited aid work with Togo, supporting humanitarian and human-rights projects only.

The EU suspended aid to Togo in 1993, after government forces allegedly killed hundreds during election violence. Most other international aid also has been suspended.

EU officials said on Monday they have noted initial moves toward democratic and human-rights reforms by Eyadema’s regime, but said full aid will resume only when Togo holds free and fair

legislative elections.

Government spokesperson Pitang Tchalla said organisers of Saturday’s celebration “underestimated the enthusiasm of participants who turned out in unexpected large numbers for today’s event, meant to express thanks to the EU and support for President Eyadema”.

Eyadema has ruled tiny Togo for 37 years. He assumed power in 1967, after leading Africa’s first post-independence coup in 1963.

Worldwide, only Fidel Castro has held power longer.—Sapa-AP