Prof Wolou Komi: Condemns Ferdinand Ayité Togo Threats, Urges Govt Accountability

• Investigative journalist Ferdinand Ayité, in exile, reported new threats against his life by the Lomé regime in a September 1st live broadcast.
• Professor Wolou Komi, President of the Socialist Pact for Renewal, expressed indignation and defended Ayité's work as beneficial for Togolese society.
• Prof. Wolou stated that the Togolese government should consider Ayité's revelations as an opportunity for governance improvement, not a reason for hostility.
• He emphasized that the veracity of Ayité's information is paramount, and authorities are obligated to address any abnormal situations revealed.
• Prof. Wolou praised Ayité's regular live broadcasts for significantly increasing citizen awareness and engagement in Togo.

If the current regime holds any genuine affection for Togo, it must not perceive Ferdinand Ayité as an adversary.

Investigative journalist Ferdinand Ayité, currently living in exile, recently issued fresh warnings regarding threats to his personal safety. In a live broadcast on September 1st, Ayité reiterated his claims of plots orchestrated against him by the Lomé regime, which he states forced him into exile.

These recent alerts prompted a strong reaction from Professor Wolou Komi, the President of the Socialist Pact for Renewal (PSR). Prof. Wolou expressed profound indignation over the reported threats, asserting that Ayité's work is not only legitimate but also highly beneficial for Togolese society. He suggested that the government should consider Ayité's revelations as an opportunity to critically assess and improve its own governance practices, rather than viewing him as an adversary.

Prof. Wolou Komi underscored a critical message for the authorities: if the current regime holds any genuine affection for Togo, it must not perceive Ferdinand Ayité as an adversary. He urged the government to acknowledge that Ayité might be exposing overlooked issues, which, if true, demand immediate rectification. For any leader truly committed to their nation, Ayité's insights should be considered valuable information, not a cause for hostility.

The central issue, according to the PSR president, is not how Ferdinand Ayité obtains his information, but rather its accuracy. He stressed that if the information provided by the journalist is indeed truthful and highlights abnormal situations, the authorities have a clear obligation to address and resolve these issues. Attempting to silence or eliminate the messenger, he warned, would be a regrettable course of action if the reported facts are verifiable.

Professor Wolou further commended Ferdinand Ayité for his crucial role in fostering citizen awareness through his consistent reporting. He noted that Ayité regularly informs the Togolese populace via his live broadcasts about what he describes as an unbearable and unacceptable situation within the country. This consistent flow of information, Prof. Wolou believes, empowers citizens by making them more informed and vigilant about national affairs.

Thanks to the dedicated work of Ferdinand Ayité, Togolese citizens are becoming increasingly knowledgeable about the realities of their nation. Prof. Wolou concluded by emphasizing the collective responsibility of citizens to mobilize and resist what they deem unacceptable, highlighting the profound impact of investigative journalism on public engagement and human rights in Togo.

Lawyers and compliance officers advising clients on operations or human rights compliance in Togo should monitor this situation, as the treatment of investigative journalists like Ferdinand Ayité reflects on the country's press freedom, rule of law, and potential political or reputational risks for businesses.

Source: Original reporting via a Togolese news outlet