Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
05ACCRA370
2005-02-18 14:22:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Accra
Cable title:  

GHANA MFA VIEWS ON TOGO

Tags:  GH PGOV PREL TO 
pdf how-to read a cable
This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.


 
ACTION AF-00 

INFO LOG-00 CIAE-00 DODE-00 EUR-00 VC-00 TEDE-00 INR-00 
 L-00 VCE-00 AC-00 NSAE-00 NSCE-00 OMB-00 PA-00 
 PM-00 PRS-00 ACE-00 P-00 SP-00 SS-00 TRSE-00 
 T-00 IIP-00 PMB-00 DRL-00 G-00 SAS-00 /000W
 ------------------BB2939 190601Z /40 
FM AMEMBASSY ACCRA
TO SECSTATE WASHDC 7952
INFO ECOWAS COLLECTIVE
AMEMBASSY LOME
C O N F I D E N T I A L ACCRA 000370 

SIPDIS


E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/18/2015
TAGS: GH PGOV PREL TO
SUBJECT: GHANA MFA VIEWS ON TOGO

REF: LOME 169

Classified By: PolChief Scott Ticknor for reasons 1.5 d and e.

C O N F I D E N T I A L ACCRA 000370

SIPDIS


E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/18/2015
TAGS: GH PGOV PREL TO
SUBJECT: GHANA MFA VIEWS ON TOGO

REF: LOME 169

Classified By: PolChief Scott Ticknor for reasons 1.5 d and e.


1. (C) In a February 18 meeting, MFA Supervising Director
of Political and Economic Affairs Leslie Christian told
PolChief he saw some positive signs in the Togo situation.
The fact that Faure Gnassingbe went to Nigeria on February 17
is encouraging, he opined. His information was that
Gnassingbe apologized to Nigerian President Obasanjo for
refusing landing rights to his advance team, and Obasanjo
made clear that Togo needs to go back to the status quo ante.
Christian believes that Gnassingbe agreed to hold elections
in 60 days. It is unclear what role former President of the
National Assembly Natchaba might play, whether Gnassingbe
will relinquish power before the election, and whether the
opposition will be prepared to contest elections so soon,
according to Christian.


2. (C) Christian was hopeful the details of a peaceful
solution would be worked out over the next two weeks, stating
that the GOT "sees the problem and wants an early
resolution". Gnassingbe "needs a congenial environment" for
his father,s funeral. Funerals are very important in
Africa, Christian remarked, noting that Gnassingbe knows
regional leaders will not attend the funeral under current
circumstances (which is why the funeral has been delayed).
However, Christian acknowledged that the situation is
difficult to predict. The demonstrations have not brought
out large numbers, but have had an effect in putting pressure
on the government. If the situation deteriorates, there
could be a refugee flow to Ghana.


3. (C) Christian said Ghana was working through ECOWAS to
resolve the Togo crisis, noting that President Kufuor had
attended recent meetings on Togo in Niamey and Cotonou. If
ECOWAS imposes sanctions, Ghana would comply. Polchief asked
him to clarify whether Ghana had recognized the Gnassingbe
government by sending its Ambassador in Togo to the
inauguration. Christian replied, "I don,t think so",
stating that the Ambassador had been acting in his capacity
as dean of the diplomatic corps. As far as Christian knew,
the Ambassador had not received permission to attend the
inauguration from the MFA, although he may have cleared it
with the Presidency.


4. (C) Comment: Christian's understanding of recent
developments appears misinformed and perhaps reflects some
wishful thinking. As reported reftel, ECOWAS Executive
Secretary Chambas' readout of the Abuja meeting was decidedly

SIPDIS
more discouraging. The Kufuor government was close to former
President Eyadema, antagonized some in the Togolese
opposition, and wants to avoid seeing an unfriendly
government come to power in Lome. On a bilateral level, the
GOG is keeping a low profile, staying optimistic, and hiding
in uncomfortable ambiguity (as reflected in Christian's "I
don't think so" response about Ghana's recognition). Local
civil society and media observers have criticized what one
termed the GOG's "deafening silence" on Togo. The Foreign
Minister on the other hand explains the President's and
government's position by underscoring Ghana's unique position
as the only country between two troubled nations. Ghana is
committed to ECOWAS and will comply with its decisions
regarding Togo.
YATES


NNNN