Forgotten World (190): Togo
Togo, a narrow strip of land on Africa’s west coast located between Ghana and Benin, has for years been the target of criticism over its human rights record and political governance. Political reconciliation remains elusive.
Gnassingbe Eyadema died in early 2005 after 38 years in power. The military’s immediate but short-lived installation of his son, Faure Gnassingbe, as president provoked widespread international condemnation. Mr Faure stood down and called elections which he won two months later, but the opposition said the vote was rigged.
About a third of the population of 6.6 million live below the international poverty line of US$1.25 a day.