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/ 26 February 2005

Controversial Togo president steps down

President Faure Gnassingbe, facing mounting international pressure since the Togo’s military installed him as leader three weeks ago, has announced he is stepping down and will seek the presidency in April elections. Gnassingbe resigned late on Friday, just hours after accepting his party’s nomination for the presidential bid.

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/ 11 February 2005

France holds key in Togo

New Togolese President Faure Gnassingbe could yet weather the political storm that surrounds his controversial appointment, thanks to his strong support from the army, analysts said this week. Decisive action by former colonial ruler France will be needed to reverse parliament’s decision to install Faure as president following the death of his father Gnassingbe Eyadema.

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/ 7 February 2005

Togo controversially swears in president

Togo’s Constitutional Court swore in 39-year-old Faure Gnassingbe as this tiny West African nation’s new president on Monday, despite volleys of international condemnation after the military installed him as his late father’s successor. The six-member court conducted the ceremony at the presidential palace.

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/ 6 February 2005

Long-ruling Togo president dies of heart attack

Togo President Gnassingbe Eyadema, whose 38-year repressive reign over his tiny, impoverished country made him Africa’s longest-ruling leader, died of what aides said was a heart attack on Saturday, and the military immediately named his son as his successor. Worldwide, only Cuba’s Fidel Castro has held power longer.