CPP receives Eyadema's death with sorrow

Accra, Feb. 9, GNA - The Convention People's Party (CPP) on Wednesday said it has received with sorrow the news of the sudden death of President Gnassingbe Eyadema of the Republic of Togo.

It noted however, with dismay the litany of messages from world leaders, which tended to express greater interest in the succession to the presidency with rather marginal display of sympathy on the death of a leader notwithstanding the varied perceptions of his 38 years rule.

"Be that as it may, the CPP in line with African custom and tradition conveys the party's heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and the people of Togo for the loss of their leader" a statement signed by Nii Noi Dowuona, General Secretary of the party said.

It said, "there is no doubt that lack of strict adherence to constitutional governance has been the cause of the fledgling democracy in Africa and it is against this backdrop that the action by the Togo Armed Forces to pledge allegiance to Mr. Faure Gnassingbe moments after the death of President Eyadema was viewed with grave concern as a threat to democracy in Togo.

The statement said, "the quick realisation by the Togolese authorities to respect the country's constitutional provisions to manage the transition process instead of the imposition by the military hierarchy provided opportunity for a peaceful resolution of the succession to the presidency."

The CPP thus cautioned that the situation in Togo could be "potentially explosive if not handled with care." The party therefore appealed to African leaders and political commentators to approach the matter with great sense of circumspection taking into consideration the peace and stability of Togo itself and the sub region in general.

"Unfolding events in Togo and elsewhere in Africa present a challenge for a critical appraisal of the African Peer Review Mechanism, NEPAD and the Constitutive Act of the African Union vis-=E0-vis the socio-cultural diversity of Africa and geopolitical interests if we are to evolve a democracy that can stand the test of time."

The CPP therefore, urged African leaders to rise to the occasion and fulfil the dreams of the founding fathers of building a peaceful, stable and economically viable continent.