“For so long Africa has had a bad image – this is eloquest testimony that Africa can create solutions to its own problems ” – Remi Oyo, spokesman for Nigerian president Olesegun Obasanjo
Faure Gnassingbe has stepped down as “interim” president of Togo, allowing speaker of parliament, Abass Bonfoh, to take the position as mandated by the constitution. Gnassingbe took power three weeks ago after the death of his father, Eyadema Gnassingbe, in a move widely viewed as an unconstitutional coup. Heavily pressured by the AU and the UN, Gnassingbe has stepped down, but plans to run as a candidate for the ruling party in forthcoming presidential elections.
The always insightful Head Heeb is less optimistic than Remi Oyo about Gnassingbe’s resignation, calling it “temporary”, and pointing out that Togo’s opposition is weak, at best, and that Gnassingbe will likely be back in power in April.