Rawlings congratulates Togo President

Accra, April 24, GNA - Former President Jerry John Rawlings on Friday commended the President Faure Gnassingbe of Togo for the successes chalked in democracy and governance. He however appealed to the security apparatus of Togo to probe an alleged coup plot by Mr Kpatcha Gnassingbe, a former Defence Minister, who is a brother to the president.

A statement signed by Mr Kofi Adam, Special Aide to former President Rawlings said, "This attempt on Togo's security must be investigated and true justice done the people of Togo, recognizing that the interest of the state overrides that of family ties." British Broadcasting Corporation on Wednesday reported that the brother of the Togolese president had been detained for allegedly plotting to overthrow the government but he denied the allegation. At least two people were killed and three wounded in a shootout at his house on Sunday night, officials said. Mr Kpatcha Gnassingbe said he was the victim of an assassination attempt.

He told the BBC that armed men in military uniform had turned up at his home spraying bullets at his bedroom and the bedrooms of his children during the gun battle that lasted at least three hours. The government website said Mr Kpatcha Gnassingbe was one of the main organisers of a plot to topple the government. Five senior army officers have already been arrested. 24 April 09