W Africa puts sanctions on Togo

[XXPANTHAXX]

West African governments have imposed sanctions on Togo after
its new army-appointed leader, Faure Gnassingbe, rejected
calls to resign.

The regional grouping, Ecowas, said Mr Faure's promise to
hold elections within 60 days was not enough.

The sanctions include suspension from Ecowas, the recall of
ambassadors from Togo, a travel ban on the Togolese
leadership and an arms embargo.

The African Union has also condemned Mr Gnassingbe's refusal
to leave office.

The new head of state was installed after the death two weeks
ago of his father, President Gnassingbe Eyadema, who had
ruled Togo for 38 years.

Mr Faure originally said he would serve his father's full
term until 2008, but on Friday promised to hold presidential
elections in the next two months.

Earlier on Saturday Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo -
who currently chairs the African Union - told a Togolese
delegation that Mr Faure should step down immediately.

He was speaking after meeting a high-level Togolese
delegation in Nigeria.

Rival rallies

Under the original constitution - which was amended to
legitimise Mr Faure's installation - the parliamentary
speaker should hold the presidency pending the election.

In Togo itself, rival demonstrations by critics and
supporters of the new leader passed off peacefully on
Saturday.

At least 10,000 opposition demonstrators marched through the
streets of the capital, Lome.

Many carried placards denouncing the new leader as a "thief"
who had stolen power.

Thousands of ruling party supporters gathered separately at
the president's residence and said they would support him in
the polls. Mr Faure addressed them, restating his
determination to hold elections.

[IfasehunReincarnated]

This is a good move. Hell, it might keep the americans from having an excuse to run in.