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Title
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Last weekend at Cité OUA : Heads of religious denominations received by Interim President of Republic
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Date
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April 20, 2005
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Abstract
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The Speaker of the National Assembly, also Interim Head of State, El Hadj Abass Bonfoh granted audiences to the Heads of religious denominations. It was last weekend at his Private residence at Cité OUA in Lomé. Their discussions revolved round the ongoing socio-political situation during this electoral period.
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Page(s)
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10
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number of pages
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1
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Rights
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Identifier
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iwac-article-0005855
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content
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The Speaker of the National Assembly, also Interim Head of State, El Hadj Abass Bonfoh granted audiences to the Heads of religious denominations. It was last weekend at his Private residence at Cité OUA in Lomé.
Their discussions revolved round the ongoing socio-political situation during this electoral period.
Last Saturday, the Interim President of Togo Republic conversed with a delegation of the UMT (Union of Togo Muslims) led by its Chairman, El Hadj Ahmadou Tétou. Speaking on that occasion, the Chairman of the UMT noted that the Muslim community as well as Togo people in general was conscious of the challenges to take up as far as the coming election is concerned. So, the religious denominations are praying for peace, security and political consensus.
“Our behaviour must be that of moderation”, he declared.
The FEMIT (Federation of Churches and Missions in Togo) was the second delegation received by the Interim Head of State. The delegation was headed by its Chairman, Pastor Edoh Komi. The FEMIT shared the viewpoint of the UMT. According to its Chairman, it is not the duty of the church to see to political issues but its role rather lies in the resolution of religious matters.
Pastor Edoh Komi took advantage of the opportunity to appeal to Togo people to be reconciled and develop forgiveness and tolerance. He also urged his countrymen to avoid violence, hatred and the settling of scores.
On its part, the delegation led by His Grace Kpodzro was made up of the President of the Bar, Mrs. Acouétey; the Head of the Methodist Church in Togo, Pastor Adouayom and the Moderator of the Evangelic Presbyterian Church in Togo, Pastor Gerson Bessa.
They shared the viewpoint of the radical Opposition claiming that the next presidential election be postponed. They made the Interim Head of State aware of some irregularities reported by some people regarding the next poll.
“We wish that there may be a consensus postponement of the election if possible", added His Grace Kpodzro.
In response, the Government through the Keeper of Seals, Minister of Justice, Mr. Katari Foli-Bazi pointed out the attitude of His Grace Kpodzro who. after requesting an audience for four people, turned it into a public demonstration. The Government also stated to be amazed that the President of the Bar was in the midst of the oecumenical delegation.
“By the way, we do not understand why other religious denominations such as the Muslim Union, Assemblies of God and many others were not among the delegation", wondered Minister Foli-Bazi. He then concluded that all the problems pointed out were only pretexts.
Further, he recalled that the time limit of 60 days stipulated by the Constitution was fixed during the transition by the High Council of State headed by His Grace Kpodzro who chaired the National Conference.
Godwin Kotè AGUETON
Celestine Tanty AGBONON
Togo-Presse
Frédérick Madore
