Please see attached copy of the letter that I have sent to the White House, members of the US Congress, State Department. Please invite all people who favor democratic values and human rights principle to send letter to the US President, Congress, State Department to demand that the US government request implementation of human rights rules in TOGO, and that those responsible for abuse be sent to justice.
 

President Bill Clinton

The White House
Washington, D.C.
Jacksonville, October 8, 1999
Your Excellence:
I am writing to express my concern about continued human rights violationsin Togo. The right of the people to freely advocate and participate in national affairs is inalienable; indeed, it is one that the US stands for and has defended around the world. Today, while the world is marching toward democracy, the military in Togo continues to commit systematic violations of basic human rights. Extra-judicial executions and "disappearances"are carried out with total impunity in Togo, which has been governed since1967 by General GNASSINGBE Eyadema. Arbitrary arrests, followed by torture and other ill-treatment,sometimes result in deaths in detention. For more than a decade, many human rights organizations have published reports regarding violations of civic rights inTogo. Since October 1990,the military has accelerated persecution of members of opposition movements with complete impunity. For example, in May 5, 1992, while campaigning in North Togo, the leader of UFC was ambushed and seriously wounded. Several members of his followers,including Dr. Marc M. Atidepe,member of the parliament, were killed. Independent investigations by European human rights organizations concluded that the attack was planned and carried out by Lieutenant Ernest Gnassingbe,son of the president. The justice department has refused to investigate or prosecute violations by the military. On July, 1992, Tavio Ayao Amorin, leader of  the Panafricanist Socialist Party, was gunned downand later died in France. Evidence at the crime scene ( guns, ammunitions,military ID card) pointed to an identified military man. Once again, instead of justice, the suspect has been given protection by the authority. Also David Ahlonko Bruce, chief of staff of the president of the provisory parliament was kidnapped in front of the military headquarters, a place under surveillance twenty-four hours a day. Mr.Bruce is still missing and no official inquiry has been made to find him. Moreover, many journalists have been arrested and detained for false reasons and, conditions in prison are far from human. Last year, the military stopped the counting of the presidential ballots because several reports had already given the victory to Gilchrist Olympio, president of the UFC. It would be irresponsible for any civilized nation that cherishes freedom and democratic values to close its eyes in front of such barbarisms. I have noted that the Prime Minister of Togo has been received by a Sub-Committee of the House of Representatives. I believe that it is in the US interest to demand that the Togolese government implement specific human rights policies, and that those responsible for atrocities in the country be brought to justice. The lack of action from the US government will clearly signify its complicity with those who systematically have killed and persecuted thousand of our citizens.I believe that the US stands for the values of freedom and democracy that we all cherish. I strongly hope that the US will use its influence to bring about more justice, democracy, and respect for human rights in Togo on the eve of the 21st century.
I appreciate your time and attention and look forward to your action and response.
Sincerely,

Lionel M. Akpabie
President-in- Exile, Togolese Student Union for Democracy.
 

Lionel M. Akpabie
Florida, USA
October 12, 1999

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