Resolution on Togo

The European Parliament adopted by 92 votes to 0, with 2 abstentions, a resolution on Togo.

The text adopted in plenary had been tabled as a joint resolution by the EPP-ED, PES, ALDE, Greens/EFA, GUE/NGL and UEN groups.

The Parliament condemns as a coup d'état the military interference in the succession to the Presidency of Togo by Mr Faure Gnassingbe, rather than by the Speaker of the National Assembly, Fambare Ouattara Natchaba. It therefore calls for Faure Gnassingbe to stand down immediately.

Whilst welcoming the sanctions applied by the Economic Community Of West African States (ECOWAS) against Togo after ten days of fruitless mediation efforts and the statements and decisions made by the UN, the African Union, the European Union and the 'Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie', the Parliament calls on the Togolese National Assembly and other authorities to take immediate steps to remedy the situation and to ensure that free and fair elections are held, in accordance with the Constitution.

The Parliament reiterates its belief that any return to constitutional legality must include a resumption of the dialogue between Togolese political forces. It condemns, in particular, the decision to forbid all public demonstrations for a period of two months, the closing down of eight private TV and radio stations, and the undue army pressure on the independent media, warning journalists about their coverage. MEPs call for the Togolese armed forces to refrain from activities that could lead to further unrest.

The Parliament once again calls on the Commission to:

• not restart negotiations with a view to a gradual resumption of cooperation until after free and transparent presidential and parliamentary elections have been held;
• propose targeted sanctions against those responsible for the coup d'état.