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https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/9/26/togos-prime-minister-and-government-resign-presidency-says
'Togolese Prime Minister Komi Selom Klassou and his government have resigned, in an EXPECTED political reshuffle delayed by the coronavirus pandemic.'
I too messaged RL yesterday as I was concerned, when I get reply will mention here.
After reading below posts and a little research this was clearly expected and I would be incredulous to believe BOD were not aware of it. Believe Graham and Russell are both South African and would have a good understanding of pan-African politics and strong networks within various countries including Togo. If they hadn't been aware I'm sure someone on the ground would have mentioned it to them. I'm very excited about the next few weeks.
As I posted earlier, when Klassou was first appointed as PM back in June 2015, his predecessor stayed on until he was in position. The process only took 2-3 weeks. However, as Friday's actions have been expected since February and appear routine, a successor and his cabinet recommendations are likely ready to be appointed and have been discussed with the President?
"Togolese Prime Minister Komi Selom Klassou and his government have resigned, in an expected political reshuffle delayed by the coronavirus pandemic."
The reshuffle has been expected since Feb... suggests this isn't out the blue...
Sounds plausible - especially RL’s prolonging the visit by another week, which, in itself, would underpin the strong presumption for finalising the extraction; I couldn’t imagine that RL was unaware of the resignations before extending it.
Almost certainly.
TBH I'd expect the current government and PM don't just vacate their offices with immediate effect. I would expect they'll facilitate closure of current business and transition to the next government.
This is perhaps less of an issue than it seems at face value. Just surprising and confusing timing.
Who thinks that El Presidente himself would approve it instead?
The article states that no date has been set for appointing a new PM.
The timing is so comical, I can't help but think it must have been known and built into the process of extending the visit.
I hope so, anyway. Thanks SBK for emailing RL and offering to share any news.
Well, to be fair, we don't know yet if he needs to save face. He will if this complicates matters again - and he won't if it's all a moot point as things will be sorted next week.
I think Russell should stay in Lomé until the new administration is in charge the keep the pressure up, I think it’s the only way he can save face and instil confidence.
A massive **** up, as I said it makes no sense to put up loads of pictures ramping expectations until all signed sealed and delivered, will damage reputations even more.
"The Council of Ministers of Togo consists of members appointed by the President with the advice of the Prime Minister." It seems to be the case therefore if the PM leaves after 5 years, then so does the Cabinet - either reappointed or newly appointed by the new incoming PM.
Like I said though, a timing fiasco from a PR perspective for us.
Although not a guarantee, at least “ the presidency congratulating the outgoing cabinet for its work”.
Means that there could be a straightforward hand over of power, which has been known about since March!
Why undo all the good work for the sake of upsetting the Apple cart!
PC
Seems very much a usual part of the Togolese political process and would have been known about last week. Likely it is the cause of the extended stay.
But a reassuring RNS Monday morning would not go amiss
We can only hope that the prime minister/administration are the ones who have been holding the permit award up, and the El Presidente will give us the permit directly next week and we won’t have to wait another 4 years.. you would think that El presidente wants to start earning some cash for his subjects ASAP..
So, when this last happened in 2015, the then PM stayed in position until Klassou himself was appointed only a few weeks later. I suppose we should expect the same unless a new PM is already lined up and ready to go.
The Cabinet at that time was named 5 weeks after the previous one 'resigned'. Resignation not being as dramatic as otherwise understood, as these seem to be expected political happenings.
Bit of a PR clanger from KRS/RL to say the least though - especially after yesterdays news and photo ops.