Rawlings might join Togo mediation

Lome, Togo - A Togolese civil society organisation, the Reflection and Action Group for Dialogue, Democracy and Development (GRAD), suggested on Thursday that former presidents John Jerry Rawlings of Ghana and Nicephore Soglo of Benin join Burkinabe president Blaise Compaore, the facilitator in the inter-Togolese dialogue.

In a statement published in Lome, GRAD said the two former presidents could help "sort out the political situation in Togo", arguing that they have a very good knowledge of Togo`s problems.

The group also suggests that Compaore work with the United Nations, the African Union (AU) and the European Union (EU) to "convince those among the Togolese who are still sceptical".

GRAD called for the formation of a "consensual government", and urged the EU to lift total sanctions on Togo once such a government is formed, so as to "enable Togolese to solve their political problems in serenity".

The parties to the inter-Togolese dialogue are currently in Ouagadougou meeting with President Compaore in order to find a way out of the crisis.

Former Togolese minister of Economy and Finance, Victor Alipui leads GRAD, which advocates a democratic society in Togo.