Faure Gnassingbe News

Togo, a narrow strip of land on Africa's west coast, has for years been the target of criticism over its human rights record and political governance.

Togo supports the France-initiated celebration in 2010 to mark the 50th anniversary for Africa's independence, visiting French former minister Jacques Toubon said here on Friday.

Togolese President Faure Gnassingbe on Thursday presided over a ceremony of donation by China of mechanical equipment for road construction.

The promise by Ghana to extend assistance to Togo in the conduct of her Presidential elections next year should come as good news to all well meaning lovers of democratic governance.

By Emma Amaize & Henry Umoru ABUJA - THE Federal Government declared yesterday that it was not going back on its arrangement to deregulate the nation's oil sector, just as it said that the Atlas Cove Jetty that was last week bombed by men of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta has been repaired and functioning.

Lawmakers in Togo have unanimously voted to abolish the death penalty in the African country.

Hostess arranges flowers brought to pay tribute to late Gabonese president Omar Bongo Ondimba outside presidential palace in Libreville Heads of state paid their last respects to Omar Bongo at a state funeral for the long-time Gabonese leader.

Togo's President Faure Gnassingbe has set up a truth, justice and reconciliation commission to investigate political violence.

Tensions surrounding the recent arrest of the Togolese president's brother on coup-plotting charges and the detention of other civilians will test reconciliation efforts in the country, still recovering from 2005 election violence, civil society leaders say.