The Francophone Summit will be held in Moncton, New Brunswick. The doors
of this beautiful maritime province will be opening to greet the heads
of Francophone countries around the world. Some of the most notorious are
those of dictators from the African countries of Burundi, Burkina Faso
and Togo.
General Eyadema, the military dictator from Togo, has succeeded with
the help of France, as stated in Amnesty International’s report, to terrorize
his people for over thirty years. He has crippled the Togolese economy,
ravaged the health care system to the point of non-existence and destroyed
a schooling system that was exemplary in West Africa. He has siphoned money
from his country and showered it on his soldiers and those ready to support
him and do his bidding. His bidding has included massacres, the burning
of homes, torture and mysterious disappearances of hundreds, and France
protects him. Thousands of Togolese still live in refugee camps in neighbouring
countries and France makes no mention of them.
I am a Canadian and proud of it. As a graduate of Acadia University,
I taught English in West Africa 18 years ago with Canadian Crossroads International
and have worked closely with African communities ever since, especially
with those from Togo. What is happening right now and what is proposed
for the Francophone Summit leaves me feeling ashamed of my government.
These leaders should be arrested and tried for their crimes against humanity.
The feeble excuse of extending political courtesy, just as would be done
for any leader, is entirely unacceptable. It condones their behaviour.
My father, maybe yours, fought in the Second World War against a tyrant.
Their youthful hope was that this world could be a better place. So many
years later, to invite dictators to our country is a massive affront to
all of us. It completely negates the efforts of all peoples who cherish
and uphold freedom and true democracy.
To extend them invitations to come to Canada is an injury to all who
protect and have protected human rights and democracy and a gross injustice
to the people who have suffered under their regimes.
Canada has had a long-standing reputation around the world of being
vigilant and respectful of human rights. We have an enviable reputation
as having a voice of reason. Our high standards of living have placed us
first in the eyes of the world. Why then are we so foolish to welcome these
leaders with open arms and compromise everything? If we welcome these murderous
dictators with open arms, are we not then accomplices to their crimes?
Is this how we want to be known? I think not.
Are linguistics more important then ethics? All of the Francophonie
is guilty by association if these leaders are welcomed amongst them. Associating
with these people negates any good that the Francophonie has done and shames
the common denominator of language.
Would you please phone or write your member of parliament, community
leaders and your local media to raise your voice with mine and others to
stop the dictators arriving September 4th, 1999.
Thank you.
Cynthia Turpin
Aylmer, Quebec, Canada
August 25, 1999
