A few days ago the now late President Gnassingbe Eyadema of Togo died. Most disturbingly, his son was given immediate successorship to his father, despite violating their constitution. The UN told them not to do that, so what happened in response? They hastily changed the constitution. Opposition leaders and The African Union are calling this a “coup.” I would tend to agree, especially after this new piece of news:

Togo has banned public rallies after decreeing two months of national mourning for President Gnassingbe Eyadema, who died on Saturday.

The opposition has called for a two-day strike to protest at his son Faure’s appointment to replace him after the constitution was hastily amended.

Police in the capital, Lome, broke up a demonstration as he was being sworn in.

The African Union has threatened to impose sanctions on Togo, describing the succession as a military coup.

Here is a little bit about the former ruler:

The African Union has said the absence of a democratic transition in Togo is a threat to peace and Western diplomats in Lome boycotted the inauguration on Monday.

Eyadema, Africa’s longest-serving ruler, died at the age of 69 while being evacuated for medical treatment abroad – reportedly from a heart attack.

After seizing power 38 years ago, he dissolved all political parties and governed unchallenged for more than two decades.

He legalised political parties in 1991, as a result of popular pressure, and won three elections.

But accusations of political repression and electoral fraud continued.