Togo’s president visits opposition stronghold after protests

Togo’s president, Faure Gnassingbe, said he remains convinced of national unity after a weekend visit to the country’s second city that was hit by anti-government protests. Gnassingbe revealed on Sunday evening he had travelled to Sokode – the home city of Tikpi Atchadam, who has led three months of street demonstrations. “My exchanges with the […]

Togo’s president, Faure Gnassingbe, said he remains convinced of national unity after a weekend visit to the country’s second city that was hit by anti-government protests.

Gnassingbe revealed on Sunday evening he had travelled to Sokode – the home city of Tikpi Atchadam, who has led three months of street demonstrations.

“My exchanges with the imams and senior figures left me reassured that our country remains indivisible,” he said in a statement.

“The damage and violence suffered by this town that was until recently peaceful saddens me deeply and would leave no citizen unmoved.”

Atchadam, who heads the Panafrican National Party (PNP), has been at the forefront of a wave of protests against Gnassingbe that began in late August.

Hundreds of thousands of opposition supporters have taken to the streets in the capital, Lome, and across the country, calling for the president to step down.

Gnassingbe took over as president in 2005 on the death of his father, General Gnassingbe Eyadema, who ruled the former French colony for 38 years.