A major Togolese opposition leader, Gilchrist Olympio, has criticized the Togolese National Assembly, saying it has legitimized a coup. On Saturday, President Gnassingbe Eyedema, Africa's longest serving ruler, died after 38 years in power and the army named his son – Faure Gnassingbe -- as his successor. Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, the chairperson of the African Union, said that organization will not condone any unconstitutional transfer of power in the West African country.
Gilchrist Olympio says the opposition is planning to resist the transfer of power with boycotts and other actions. In an interview with VOA's Shaka Ssali, Mr. Olympio urged ECOWAS, the Economic Community for West African States, to find a solution to the military's move.
