w o r d s

In Togo, there was some hope that the this month’s legislative election was going to be bring about some change in the political landscape of that troubled country. In retrospect, I am not sure why. Maybe because Faure’s regime is slightly less brutally oppressive than his father’s? Maybe the increased presence of international observers? The sad fact is that the ruling RPT controls all aspects of government, including the electoral commission, and they are not at all inclined to loosen their grip on power. So another election was rigged to make it look like the Togolese people want the RPT in charge.

The quandary of the opposition in Togo is that they cannot win playing by the rules, because the RPT makes the rules and owns the process. They cannot win by force, because the army is mostly loyal to the Gnassingbe clan, which is supported by the French government. And finally, how can the opposition even begin to break that stranglehold on the country, when it is as fractured as it is, and when most of it’s leadership lives abroad? The reality is that as long as France has no interest in change in Togo, and the rest of the world does not much care, they stand very little chance to effect significant change politically.

In the current situation, the opposition should change it’s approach and adopt a long-term strategy of unifying the democratic forces in Togo, and of building a grassroots organization across the country. It looks like they have enough freedom now to operate openly without too much danger. So if they manage to foster a new generation of leaders, and if they nurture the spirit of participatory democracy across the country, they might effect a cultural change, and change in what people expect from their leaders. Right now, I think expectations are quite low. People expect they leaders to rob them. So they just want leaders in place from their clan or region, so at least they won’t suffer. Togo needs leadership that transcends tribalism and greed. If the Togolese opposition can unify, organize and show such leadership, it might be able to push out the forces that currently hold back their country.

October was quite a ride. My Benz was in the shop for most of the month, which was inconvenient, but at least all the repairs so far were under the seller’s warranty (new alternator, fuel pump, fuel injector, new turbo) and he also gave me a loaner to drive while he was working on the Benz. The kids were having a bit of a rough time in school (social stuff and adjusting to the new school). So we had a few meetings with teachers. so far it looks like things are back on track. Laura and I also spent a day at Duke Hospital - this also looks good now and should be taken care of. The fun part in October was our Haunted Housewarming Party last Saturday. It was a lot of work getting the house (and us) ready for a big party, but it was worth it and the party was a lot of fun. Thanks to all who came!