Posted on 02/05/2005 2:37:25 PM PST by HAL9000
LOME, Togo - The president of Togo, Africa's longest-ruling leader, died Saturday as he was being rushed to Europe for treatment of a heart attack, officials said. His son was named the new leader.President Gnassingbe Eyadema, 69, suffered a heart attack early Saturday in his hometown of Piya in southeastern Togo and later died, said Barry Moussa Barkue, special adviser to the president.
Hours later, Togo's military high command announced on state television that Eyadema's son, Faure Gnassingbe, is the West African nation's new president.
According to Togo's constitution, the speaker of parliament, Fanbare Tchaba, succeeds the president in the event of his death. It was not immediately clear why that did not happen Saturday.
The station later broadcast images of army chief of staff Gen. Zakari Nandja and other generals swearing an oath of allegiance to Faure Gnassingbe as "the acting president."
Speaking on state radio, Prime Minister Koffi Sama called upon the security forces to keep law and order. He also announced all land and air borders to the tiny West African country had been closed.
"All the country's political, social, religious leaders must avoid any act likely to plunge the country into anarchy and confusion," Sama said.
Eyadema has ruled Togo since 1967, when he came to power following Africa's first postcolonial coup. Only Cuba's Fidel Castro has been in power longer.
Though last re-elected in a May 2003 vote, Eyadema was considered one of Africa's last "Big Men" _ rulers holding power through patronage, the loyalty of their ethnic and regional groups, and military force.
He was believed to have heart problems, but the state of his health was not made public. Two weeks ago, he traveled to Switzerland for what authorities said was a medical checkup.
State radio played mourning music, interrupted by Sama's comments.
Barkue said the death was unexpected. He said Eyadema looked "hearty and even granted audience to visitors" on Friday. "So his sudden death is unbelievable."
Yet somehow, the world goes on. Pitiful when a head of state has to be "rushed to" a different continent for emergency medical treatment.
"Gnassingbe Eyadema"
Well, in a condition like that, it's lucky he lasted as long as he did.
Nepotism over Rule of Law Alert. The 'Inconvenient' death of the president has forced the facts of Democracy in Togo out into the open.
Talk about poor healthcare---having to be rushed to Europe for a heart attack. Guess he wasn't much of a leader if the country doesn't have a hospital.
Lucky them.
"According to Togo's constitution, the speaker of parliament, Fanbare Tchaba, succeeds the president in the event of his death. It was not immediately clear why that did not happen Saturday. "
I am just shocked and stunned that the constitution/rule of law weren't followed! (Sarcasm off)
Wasn't that something? With that world class leadership, no wonder the generals wanted to 'keep it in the family.' LOL
That sounds like a serious condition, too. Bet it kills him.
Perhaps they can build a hospital with all the money they'll save by not having an election.
No relation to me here.
I'll keep his memomry alive...at least until the next time I play Scrabble.
So he died out of country. All dressed out and nowhere Togo.
When your son takes over and the line of succession is ignored. Then you do not have a president of a democracy, you have a dictatorship.
Thank God for the 22nd amendment. If not for that we could be looking at the 13th year of rule of El Presidente Bubba Clinton.
When you got togo you got togo.
OK, you beat me.
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