During an unprecedented economic crisis and continual violation of human rights, the dictatorial regime for over 33 years, known as the government of Togo, prepares for the Summit of the Organization of African Unity in June, 2000.

In fact, since the beginning of the nineties, Togo remains one of the rare West African countries where democracy is systematically blocked by the dictatorial regime of General Gnassingbe Eyadema. This situation is contrary to the principals and practices of global democracy for the 21st century, driving the European Union to suspend its cooperation with Togo since 1993.

The social and economic consequences of the internal crisis and difficulties that the Togolese government has with a large international debt is acutely felt throughout the population by the:

- Inflationary prices of the most basic necessities.
- Unpaid salaries and benefits to all public servants, especially to teachers and retired personnel.
- Unpaid family allowances to beneficiaries from the National Social Security Fund.
- Closing of schools because of the financial and material degradation within the school system.

- Decline of the health system even including the primary essentials of health.
- Police violence and military repression of all peaceful protests made to reclame legitimacy and the improvement of living conditions.

Considering the ideals of the Organization of African Unity which are democratic and aimed towards durable development of African peoples,

Considering the incapacity of the dictatorial regime of General Eyadema to efficiently govern Togo in regards to these realizations and ideals,

Considering that the organization of such a summit necessitates colossal investments and a serene democratic climate,

Considering that Togo does not currently fulfill these conditions,

Considering that the Togolese government and the opposition parties have a historical responsibility to consecrate their efforts to find a durable solution to the political, economic and social crisis in Togo.

The Togolese Diaspora for Democracy (DIASTODE) upholds these legitimate revendications and shares the suffering of the Togolese people.

- Estimates that the economic, social and political crisis that the Togolese people are living through is not conducive to organizing the Summit of the Organization of African Unity worthy to its name.

- Asks that the member states and the Secretary General of the OAU, the European Union, the Organization of United Nations, the USA and the creditors of international funds do not invest human, material or especially financial resources into the organization of the OAU Summit in Togo this June, 2000.

- Asks the business men and women of Togo to withhold financial support for the preparations and the organization of the OAU Summit in Togo.

- Asks the government of General Eyadema and the opposition to consecrate their efforts moreover to the organizaiton and the realization of the democratic elections in Togo.
 

Ottawa (Ontario) Canada, February 24, 2000
For the Secretary of Diastode

Dr  Emmanuel Kossivi Ayigah