06/08/1998
After achieving independence from France in 1960, Togo has been ruled by former chief of staff General Eyadéma since 1967. He has consistently favoured members of the Kabye-tribe in government positions and in the armed forces. He was elected president in 1993 and again in 1998 in grossly unfair elections. The armed forces have frequently been involved in political killings of civilians as well as soldiers, which are normally not investigated. Many soldiers killed were suspected of membership of the Association of Democratic Servicemen.
