GHANA MFA VIEWS ON TOGO

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