US embassy cable - 05ACCRA370

C O N F I D E N T I A L ACCRA 000370 
 
SIPDIS 
 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/18/2015 
TAGS: GH, PGOV, PREL, TO 
SUBJECT: GHANA MFA VIEWS ON TOGO 
 
REF: LOME 169 
 
Classified By: PolChief Scott Ticknor for reasons 1.5 d and e. 
 
1.  (C)  In a February 18 meeting, MFA Supervising Director 
of Political and Economic Affairs Leslie Christian told 
PolChief he saw some positive signs in the Togo situation. 
The fact that Faure Gnassingbe went to Nigeria on February 17 
is encouraging, he opined.  His information was that 
Gnassingbe apologized to Nigerian President Obasanjo for 
refusing landing rights to his advance team, and Obasanjo 
made clear that Togo needs to go back to the status quo ante. 
Christian believes that Gnassingbe agreed to hold elections 
in 60 days.  It is unclear what role former President of the 
National Assembly Natchaba might play, whether Gnassingbe 
will relinquish power before the election, and whether the 
opposition will be prepared to contest elections so soon, 
according to Christian. 
 
2.  (C)  Christian was hopeful the details of a peaceful 
solution would be worked out over the next two weeks, stating 
that the GOT "sees the problem and wants an early 
resolution". Gnassingbe "needs a congenial environment" for 
his father,s funeral.  Funerals are very important in 
Africa, Christian remarked, noting that Gnassingbe knows 
regional leaders will not attend the funeral under current 
circumstances (which is why the funeral has been delayed). 
However, Christian acknowledged that the situation is 
difficult to predict.  The demonstrations have not brought 
out large numbers, but have had an effect in putting pressure 
on the government.  If the situation deteriorates, there 
could be a refugee flow to Ghana. 
 
3.  (C)  Christian said Ghana was working through ECOWAS to 
resolve the Togo crisis, noting that President Kufuor had 
attended recent meetings on Togo in Niamey and Cotonou.  If 
ECOWAS imposes sanctions, Ghana would comply.  Polchief asked 
him to clarify whether Ghana had recognized the Gnassingbe 
government by sending its Ambassador in Togo to the 
inauguration.  Christian replied, "I don,t think so", 
stating that the Ambassador had been acting in his capacity 
as dean of the diplomatic corps.  As far as Christian knew, 
the Ambassador had not received permission to attend the 
inauguration from the MFA, although he may have cleared it 
with the Presidency. 
 
4.  (C)  Comment:  Christian's understanding of recent 
developments appears misinformed and perhaps reflects some 
wishful thinking.  As reported reftel, ECOWAS Executive 
Secretary Chambas' readout of the Abuja meeting was decidedly 
 
SIPDIS 
more discouraging.  The Kufuor government was close to former 
President Eyadema, antagonized some in the Togolese 
opposition, and wants to avoid seeing an unfriendly 
government come to power in Lome.  On a bilateral level, the 
GOG is keeping a low profile, staying optimistic, and hiding 
in uncomfortable ambiguity (as reflected in Christian's "I 
don't think so" response about Ghana's recognition).  Local 
civil society and media observers have criticized what one 
termed the GOG's "deafening silence" on Togo.  The Foreign 
Minister on the other hand explains the President's and 
government's position by underscoring Ghana's unique position 
as the only country between two troubled nations.  Ghana is 
committed to ECOWAS and will comply with its decisions 
regarding Togo. 
YATES 
 
 
NNNN