We must not abandon Togo

The somehow deafening silence of Africa on the ongoing situation in Togo beats the imagination of many right-thinking people. For us at Weekend Today, we still do not know what is delaying African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) from intervening in the rising political tension in Togo.

Unfortunately, Ghana, which shares border with Togo, appears to be comforting in the ‘Mind your own internal affairs’ foreign policy. At least, our government is not worried simply because it has not spilled over to our country.

IS that an expression that we will not do anything about the crisis in Togo? Well, in our view that seems to be the case—that we will sit on the fence and do nothing to help in the Togo crisis.

THE first time we commented on the Togo situation, we urged the Akufo-Addo administration to try and engage the feuding parties and see how best to remedy the problem as quickly as possible. Ever since we made that appeal, we have not heard government make a move towards helping to resolve the stalemate in Togo.

WELL, Weekend Today is compelled again to comment on the rather disquieting development in Togo. This is in the wake of the fact that the opposition political parties in that country are calling on Governments of Ghana and those of other West African countries to intervene.

AND if the demonstration organised by thousands of opposition supporters last Wednesday is anything to go by, then it stands to say that those who are opposed to the government of Faure Gnassingbe will not give up anytime soon. What is also baffling is the continuous silence of sub-regional leaders.

ARE we waiting for a civil war to break out in Togo before we intervene when indeed there is a small window of opportunity to avert bloodshed in the West African country? Whatever the problem is, we at Weekend Today believe that by intervening we can help find a peaceful solution to it.

WE still want to remind government that a civil war in Togo will definitely impact adversely on our economy as we would have to contend with the influx of Togolese refugees. That also means providing them with shelter and food.

IT is, therefore, in the light of the above and the precarious situation in Togo that Weekend Today, once again, urges the Akufo-Addo administration to rally other leaders in the West African sub-region to see how best to help our fellow Africans whose country is on fire. Once there is an opportunity to avoid bloodshed, we must seize it and not let it pass.

IN fact, posterity will not forgive us if we do nothing about the Togo crisis. Time is of essence and we must act now!