Togo: vigil in memory of ex-president Sylvanus Olympio, assassinated 60 years ago
The former president of Togo, Sylvanus Olympio.
AFP
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2 mins
On January 13, 1963, the father of Togolese independence Sylvanus Olympio was assassinated in front of the United States Embassy in Lomé, where he had taken refuge after the attack on his home by a commando.
Sixty years later, all the light has not yet been shed on his death.
Some family members continue to search for the truth and his supporters have not forgotten anything.
To mark this anniversary, they organized a prayer vigil on Thursday, January 12.
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With our correspondent in Lomé,
Peter Sassou Dogbé
Only supporters of the UFC, the Union of Forces for Change were present.
The atmosphere was festive, we sang and prayed.
Elliot Ohin, vice-president of the party, participated in this vigil.
Sylvanus Olympio is seen as a model for his audacity and courage, according to him.
“
For this illustrious president, Sylvanus Olympio, it was important for us that we hold this vigil
,” he underlines.
He died in 1963. It is therefore necessary to explain to young people who did not know that time what he was and what he represented for Togo.
He is the man who fought for the development of Togo.
And this vigil is important precisely to talk about all that, to talk about the life of this man
.
To (re)listen: Archives of Africa: Portrait of Sylvanus Olympio, part 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8
A tribute mass
Today, he is inspiring and that is why Dr. Folly Gada Ekué came to this vigil.
Sixty years after his death, Togo's first elected president is still remembered.
"
For sixty years, it has been at the heart of public policies that today, almost all the Togolese opposition - even beyond the opposition, observers - consider to be still current.
In particular his audacity in the question of monetary reform, the impeccable economic management of the country, the balance of the budget.
These are new ideas that Mr. Olympio and his entire team have introduced into public life in Togo
”.
This Friday, the Archbishop of Lomé will celebrate a mass of homage after the laying of a wreath by his supporters on his tomb in Agouè, in Beninese territory.
To (re) listen ► Guest Africa: Assassination of Sylvanus Olympio, former president of Togo: can the French archives speak?
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