by Pascal K. Dotchevi, Togo, January 1998
THEME = POLITICS
On 6 January 1998, sixteen months after
being appointed Prime Minister,
Kwassi Klutsé accounted for his stewardship before Parliament
On 21 August 1996, there were by-elections resulting in a parliamentary majority for President Gnassingbé Eyadèma's supporters. He then appointed Kwassi Klutsé as Premier.
On 3 September 1996, the new Prime Minister was confirmed in Office by Parliament. He took the occasion to underline the five key points in his administration's programme: 1) To strengthen democracy and guarantee the safety and security of all Togo's citizens; 2) To work for a united, strong and prosperous Togo; 3) To take all appropriate steps necessary for reforming the economy and ensuring its lasting growth; 4) To safeguard the well-being of education and culture in Togo; 5) To undertake an active diplomacy centred on effective cooperation.
Presenting his "State of the Nation" report on 6 January this year, Prime Minister Klutsé was happy to note that some of his government's aims had already been achieved. A number of structures foreseen by the Constitution were now in place, such as: the National Human Rights Commission; the Constitutional Court; the Judiciary Superior Council; the Supreme Court; the Governing Authority for Audiovisuals and Communications. His government had also made great efforts to strengthen the country's judicial system and matters pertaining to security.
The Prime Minister reported that the economy looked healthier; public finances were in better shape; the country's overdraft with the Central Bank of West Africa (BCEAO) had been reduced from 38 billion CFA francs to 18 billion by 31 December 1997.
In a marathon speech, the Prime Minister painted a positive picture of his government's administration, even if most of what he had to say dealt with future prospects. One student put it this way: "Listening to him, you'd think we are already in heaven". Members of Parliament present in the chamber gave his speech a more discerning reception: It's clear much remains to be done!
Most Members of Parliament were unanimous in congratulating a Prime Minister who had the courage to come and face them with the facts, even if the facts were interpreted by Members, depending on their personal political persuasion.
Mr Koffigoh is a former prime minister and the only representative in Parliament of the Convention of New Forces (CFN) (which supports the President). He said: "The government still has a lot to do in the political field". Referring to Togo's economy, he said (with a certain dead-pan humour): "In spite of the fact that the upward trend in Togo's economy is much higher than industrialised countries, in reality, we are much poorer than they are".
Former prime minister Edem Kodjo's Togolese Union for Democracy (UTD) was emphatic that the government must attach greater importance to technical training and private initiative. The UTD deplored the "galloping inflation" and the privatisation of certain state-owned companies.
Mr Agboyibor's Action Committee for Renewal (CAR) agreed with the UDT in not separating the economy from politics. "There's no such thing as a season for politics and a season for the economy", underlined Mr Aidam. He asked the Prime Minister to do his best so that newly established Constitutional structures work efficiently. He continued: "We must all do our best to ensure that the on-going political resentment be laid to rest". Finally, the CAR requested the government to ensure that the next elections are open, free and peaceful, as happens in any democratic society. "In the past, we have accepted dictatorship as a form of government; now, there's no reason why we can't take democracy on board".
The Rally of the Togolese People (RPT) forms a majority in Parliament. The party reminded the Prime Minister that "Structural Adjustment doesn't solve every problem...it can have harmful effects". The RPT called on Parliament to support the on-going privatisation of state-owned companies. "The selling-off of state-owned assets is the result of parliamentary approved legislation. That's democracy in action".
One observer remarked: "Democracy also means that, whenever necessary, the majority party in Parliament can criticise the government it has voted in.
All of which indicates that democracy is alive and well in Togo. It's so important that all shades of public opinion and all political parties and groupings make it their business to ensure the next elections are conducted freely and openly. Let's hope the violence of the 1993 elections is a thing of the past. Togo's citizens only ask to be able to live out their lives in order, peace and tranquillity.
END
PeaceLink 1998 - Reproduction authorised, with usual acknowledgement