Government promises 22 democratisation moves

Togo is hoping to restore normal diplomatic and economic relations with the European Union by promising to adopt a series of reforms aimed at improving democracy in the country and respect liberties. Togolese government delegates opened talks with EU representatives in Brussels on 14 April. The Togolese government subsequently drew up a list of 22 commitments, promising, amongst other things, "to guarantee political parties the ability conduct their activities without fear of harassment" and "to ensure a transparent and democratic electoral process in the coming six months". There were further guarantees that political parties would be allowed equal access to the state media and international observers would be allowed in to monitor parliamentary elections. The government of Togo has been frequently criticised by national and international human rights organisations for sanctioning political killings and torture. But the government has now promised to respect the independence of the judiciary and release all political prisoners. Ten years ago, the European Union virtually ceased all aid to the West African country because of the perceived "lack of democracy". European nations accused President Gnassingbe Eyadema, who has been in power for 37 years, of rigging elections, bad governance, showing no respect for individual liberties and abusing human rights. Under the EU-African, Caribbean and Pacific (EU-ACP) countries accord, of which Togo is a signatory, Brussels has established a set of good-governance and democracy criteria that have to be met before an ACP country can receive aid. By agreeing to 22 specific conditions, Togo is bidding to fulfil these criteria. The aid freeze has had a negative impact on the country's development. Some observers believe the penalties imposed have been sufficient and should be lifted. An EU mission is due in Lome within the next few months to assess progress in meeting the conditions, European diplomatic sources told IRIN. The EU also asked Togo to let media professionals work without fear of harassment or punishment. On Wednesday, Togolese communication minister Pitchang Tchalla announced in the capital, Lome, that press laws would be revised. The current media code, which was introduced in 2002, sentences journalists to one to five years in prison and a fine ranging from US $2,000-$10,000 for "offending the head of state". A journalist can spend between three months and two years in jail for "offending the National Assembly Speaker, the prime minister, members of parliament, ministers and members of state institutions." For "defaming" a judge or a policeman, the penalty is three years in jail. The 2002 code was condemned as a "democratic regression" by international media watchdogs when it was introduced.