Uprising Against 50 Years Dynasty… Togolese Fleeing To Ghana

Ghana appears to be the country that would bear the brunt of the civil unrest that is reportedly going on inneighbouring Togo as intelligence coming in from the francophone country reveals that many of its residents have started carrying bag-and-baggage and are fleeing to safety here.

The development comes on the heels of some wild protest held last Saturday on the streets of the Togo, against the 50 year dynasty of the ruling Gnassingbe family.

Already, seven people have been reported dead, whilst 27 others, including leading members of the opposition PNP, have been detained.

Those who because of the language barrier cannot come to Ghana have been urged to take advantage of the three borders leading to Burkina on the north, Benin to the East, to safety if they find the struggle too risky to join.

An influence peddling Togolese resident in Ghana who does not want her name mention told this paper and other media outfit that, “I am scared for the pregnant women and the little children. They should just flee to any of our neighouring countries if they cannot come to Ghana” adding that “If you are not strong and fit, move out of Togo to Ghana…there is no time to waste. Pregnant women and children should all come out of their homes. “Not everyone can fight this battle.”

The Gnassingbe family has been ruling Togo since 1967 after a coup by Eyadéma, the current President’s father.

His son, Faure, was sworn in after he died on February 5, 2005, although the constitution mandates the President of the National Assembly should become acting President.

Since then, Faure who is also new chairperson of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has won three presidential elections albeit under controversial circumstances.

His 2015 presidential victory was condemned by observers as replete with irregularities.

But the 50-year hold on power has however come under fresh challenge.

Political forces resisting President Faure Gnassingbe are not backing down on their demands for the Constitution to be amended to prevent his family’s continued stay in power.

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