President Gnassingbé has been in power since 2005
LOME, May 5 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Togo’s President Faure Gnassingbé has been sworn for a fourth term at a subdued ceremony in the capital, Lome.
About 200 guests – government officials and diplomats – attended the ceremony. They all wore face masks and practiced social distancing.
The country’s borders are closed due to the coronavirus pandemic so no other persons could be invited.
The Sunday ceremony was televised. It lasted for a little over 80 minutes, without the usual pomp and ceremony.
Gnassingbe, 53, won by a landslide in February, extending his 15-year reign by another five years.
He has led Togo’s population of eight million people since 2005 after taking over following the death of his father Gnassingbé Eyadema, who ruled for 38 years.
The inauguration went ahead despite measures to contain the coronavirus pandemic in Togo.
The West African country has recorded 123 cases and nine deaths, according to the Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention. — NNN-AGENCIES
