The Facts
1. The first communication, No. 83/92, concerns Corporal Nikabou Bikagni, who the
communication alleges was arrested on 7th October 1992 in Lomé and who was subject to
torture and maltreatment. Under this duress, he made a confession that he was planning a
coup against the government of Togo.
2. The second communication, No. 88/93, consists of a report of a mission sent to Togo by
the Union Interafricaine des Droits de l’Homme from 23th to 29th December 1992. This report
includes information on the attempt on the life of opposition leader Jules Gilchrist Olympio,
the assassination of the driver of the Prime Minister in December 1992, extortion and killings
in villages in the north of Togo, the shooting incident of 25thJanuary 1993 which resulted in at
least 14 deaths, and the shooting incident of 26th January which resulted in at least 4 deaths.
The communication also mentions the discovery of more than 15 bodies which were found,
mutilated and bound, in the waters around Lomé. The report also provides a general overview
of the political and economic situation in Togo, including irregularities with respect to how
elections are conducted.
3. The third communication, No. 91/93, alleges that on 30 January 1993 the Togolese military
shot and killed 20 peaceful demonstrators in Lome. This was related to a general breakdown
of law and order which resulted in numerous violations of human rights by the security forces.
Abuses by the security forces caused 40,000 Togolese to flee the country.
Complaint
4. The complainants allege grave and massive violations of various rights protected by the
African
Charter.
Finding
5. The Commission sent a delegation to Togo and was adduced that these acts were
committed under a previous administration.
6. The Commission is satisfied that the present administration has dealt with the issues
satisfactorily.