afrol News, 29 May - The Togolese government has unveiled the truth and reconciliation commission to look into the political violence in the West African state.

The 11 member Commission appointed by the president Faure Gnassingbe, is tasked to investigate the political violence in Togo from 1959, the eve of the country's independence, up to 2005 political violence during the presidential elections that left 500 people dead and thousands injured.

The commission, has been set up in the aftermath of consultations which started on April 2008, with the support of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.

The commission will be chaired by Nicodeme Barrigah, a Catholic Bishop supported by academics, traditional leaders, former ministers and businessmen, according to local reports.

Togo has been rocked by waves of political violence, particularly in the presidential election of April 2005, after the death of General Gnassingbe Eyadema, who ruled the country for 38 years.

Clashes broke out, mainly in opposition strongholds, after the announcement that Faure Gnassingbe, one of the sons of the late ruler, had won the election, however the opposition demonstrations were violently repressed.

The developments of 2005 led to renewed questions about a commitment to democracy made by Togo in 2004 in a bid to normalise ties with the EU, which cut off aid in 1993 over the country's human rights record.

Togo has for years been the target of criticism over its human rights record and political governance.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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