The UN Human Rights Committee this week began its examination of the implementation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights in Togo. In its alternative country report entitled "Violence against Women in Togo", which has been submitted to the Committee, the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT) has expressed its grave concern at the widespread violence against women in the private and community spheres as well as at the hands of state officials.

The Federal Government and the governments of Ghana and Togo have reaffirmed their commitment to rejecting any action that would lead to unconstitutional change of government in any part of West Africa.

The Togolese government has fixed 27 October as the date for parliamentary elections, following a recommendation by the country's electoral college of seven judges.

A Togolese opposition leader and a journalist could be sentenced to four years imprisonment each for "defamation" following the publication of articles saying that President Gnassingbe Eyadema is one of the world's richest men.

The international press freedom watchdog Reporters sans frontieres (RSF) has protested against a proposed code that would expose media professionals in Togo to heavy penalties for defaming the head of state, other government officials and top civil servants.