FOLLOWING DEATH OF TOGO’S PRESIDENT, SECRETARY-GENERAL SAYS TRANSFER

OF POWER SHOULD BE PEACEFUL, CONSISTENT WITH CONSTITUTION

 

The following statement was issued Saturday, 5 February, by the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General expressed his deep sorrow upon learning of the sudden death today of President Gnassingbe Eyadema of the Republic of Togo.

President Eyadema played a central role in the governance of his country for almost 40 years.  During that period, he also made a significant contribution to the peaceful settlement of disputes in Africa in general and in West Africa in particular.

The Secretary-General extends his sincere condolences to the bereaved family and to the Government and people of Togo.

The Secretary-General trusts that the Togolese authorities will take all necessary measures to preserve stability in the country and ensure a peaceful transfer of power consistent with the Constitution and the rule of law.

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