From his exile, Tikpi Atchadam, leader of the Parti National Panafricain (PNP), has issued a fresh call to the Togolese people, urging them to observe a national day of mourning on January 13, 2025. This day, according to Atchadam, will represent “the retreat of the ocean before the tsunami, the silence, the calm before the storm,” symbolizing an important moment of peaceful mobilization to demand the departure of President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé.
Atchadam, who initiated the major uprising against the ruling party on August 19, 2017, and has lived in exile ever since, reaffirmed his commitment to ousting the current government. In his message, he emphasized the potential for a peaceful resolution: “It is possible to bring an end to the liberation struggle without bloodshed, but only if, across the entire country and within the diaspora, we unite peacefully behind one common demand—the departure of Faure Gnassingbé,” he stated.
The call to action is not intended to require full allegiance to the PNP or Atchadam personally, but rather to unite Togolese citizens under a shared objective. “In line with my principles, I do not ask the entire Togolese population to follow me or to rally behind the Pan-African National Party. As always, I call for alignment with one fundamental goal: the departure of Faure Gnassingbé,” he explained.
Tikpi calls for a “ retreat of the ocean before the tsunami ”
The proposed day of mourning holds special significance, as it marks the anniversary of the assassination of Sylvanus Olympio, the first President of the Republic of Togo, on January 13, 1963. This tragic event paved the way for the rise of Gnassingbé Eyadéma, who ruled the country until his death in 2005. He was succeeded by his son, Faure Gnassingbé, who leads the country to this day.
Atchadam views the day of mourning not only as a tribute to Olympio but as an opportunity to draw global attention to the “imminent” peaceful movement he is advocating. “The retreat of the ocean before the tsunami, the silence, the calm before the storm. The national day of mourning, observed on January 13, 2025, is an announcement designed to draw Africa’s and the world’s attention to the massive, peaceful movement set to force Faure Gnassingbé out,” he hammered.
Atchadam’s call comes at a time when the government is preparing for new senatorial elections, which are seen as the final step before the implementation of a new Constitution for the country. The key change in this proposed Constitution is the abolition of presidential elections and the shift to a parliamentary system. This decision, put forward by the ruling party UNIR, has sparked opposition from political parties and civil society groups, who suspect it is aimed at extending Faure Gnassingbé’s hold on power.
