Togo extends deadline for victims of political violence

Togo has extended a deadline for claims caused by political violence in the previous half-century after receiving more than 15,000 claims in four months. An official with the Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission said that the 29 November deadline will be extended to 17 December due to the abundance of requests.

Eric Deroo

The commission is charged with verifying crimes from as far back as 1958, two years before Togo declared its independence from France.

Their inquiries will end with 2005, the year when 400 to 500 people died during presidential elections which replaced longtime leader General Gnassingbe Eyadema with his son, Faure Gnassingbe.

The commission includes religious leaders, traditional chiefs, university professors and others.

Claims will be processed by investigators, journalists and other experts for verification.