83/92, 88/93, 91/93 (Joined) Jean Yakovi Degli (au non du Caporal N. Bikagni), Union Interafricaine des Droits de l’Homme, Commission International de Juristes / Togo
The Facts
1. The first communication, No. 83/92, concerns Corporal Nikabou Bikagni, who the communication alleges was arrested on 7 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 23 to 29 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 25 January 1993 which resulted in at least 14 deaths, and the shooting incident of 26 of 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. The Commission is satisfied that the present administration has dealt with the issues satisfactorily.