Togo’s opposition and ruling party say they struck a deal to form power-sharing government

Togo opposition, top party make a power share deal

LOME, Togo — Togo’s opposition and the ruling party say they’ve struck a deal to form a power-sharing government after a disputed March election.

The opposition candidate continues to claim he won the vote and is planning street demonstrations to protest the constitutional court’s ruling that handed victory to Faure Gnassingbe, son of the country’s longtime dictator.

But the opposition party’s leader, Gilchrist Olympio, has forged ahead in negotiating a power-sharing agreement with Gnassingbe’s party.

Olympio told reporters Thursday that the deal would give his party eight ministerial posts and positions in local governments. The government confirmed a deal had been reached.

Gnassingbe’s family has ruled Togo for the past 43 years.