The European Union threatened on Wednesday to slap unspecified ”measures” on the West African nation of Togo, where Faure Gnassingbe has been installed as President by the army.
In a statement, the 25-nation bloc said it fully supports efforts by the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) aimed at restoring ”constitutional order and the democratic process” to Togo.
”In the absence of progress, the EU reserves the right to take measures to support the action of [the 15-nation] Ecowas,” it added.
It also said it will reconsider its policy towards Togo in light of 22 commitments made by its government during consultations that led to a partial restoration of EU-Togo relations in November last year.
The EU, which broke off diplomatic ties with Togo in 1993, has said it will not fully restore relations until a genuine democracy is in place.
The EU move came as Togo slipped deeper into isolation amid international hostility to the political handover pulled off by the army and part of the ruling party.
Neighbouring countries branded it a ”coup d’état” before suspending Togo’s membership of Ecowas on Saturday, when the regional body imposed an arms embargo and a travel ban on Togo’s leaders, and decided to recall ambassadors to Lome.
Gnassingbe (39) was installed as president by Togo’s army two days after the death on February 5 of his father, Gnassingbe Eyadema, whose 38 years in power were characterised by iron-fisted rule.
In its statement, issued in French, the EU said it remains ”extremely alarmed by the evolution of the situation in Togo” despite a pledge of elections within 60 days and restoration of the right to protest and hold rallies.
”The EU condemns the violation of legal and constitutional provisions which serve to keep Mr Faure Gnassingbe as interim president of the republic,” the bloc said. — Sapa-AFP