PSC/PR/Comm. (XXIV)
Page 2
B.
ON THE SITUATION IN TOGO
Council,
1.
Firmly condemns the manner through which the de facto Togolese
authorities organised the succession in Togo, following the death of
Gnassingbé Eyadéma, which constitutes a blatant and unacceptable violation
of the Togolese Constitution, as well as the AU Declaration of July 2000 on
Unconstitutional Changes of Government, the principles enshrined in the AU
Constitutive Act and the Protocol Relating to the Establishment of the Peace
and Security Council. Council also firmly condemns the revision of the
Togolese Constitution made by the de facto authorities, in violation of the
relevant provisions of the Togolese Constitution;
2.
Urges the de facto Togolese authorities to strictly respect the
provisions of the Togolese Constitution and demands that the Togolese
Armed Forces refrain from any interference in the political life of the country
and comply with the relevant provisions of the Togolese Constitution;
3.
Welcomes the statements made by the AU Chairman and the
Chairperson of the Commission, as well as the initiatives taken by ECOWAS, to
ensure respect of constitutional legality and prevent any development which
could negatively affect peace and stability in Togo;
4.
Encourages the Chairperson of the Commission to maintain close
contact with ECOWAS and all other concerned actors to ensure a coherent
and firm response to the unconstitutional change which occurred in Togo;
5.
Affirms its determination, in conformity with article 7(g) of the Protocol
relating to the establishment of the PSC and the July 2000 Declaration, to
impose the sanctions envisaged in case of unconstitutional changes, should
the de facto authorities fail to ensure the rapid restoration of constitutional
legality;
6.
Invites the United Nations, the European Union, the AU bilateral
partners and the international community as a whole to strongly support the
AU position on the prevailing situation in Togo;
7.
Decides to remain actively seized of the situation in Togo and
requests the Chairperson of the Commission to submit a detailed report on
the development of the situation and efforts to restore constitutional legality.