Togolese President Gnassingbé Eyadéma's fire canoe trip is an emblematic episode in African diplomatic history. In 1980, in the midst of civil war in Chad, Eyadéma undertook a daring mission to call for peace between the warring factions.
After a journey overland to Kousseri, he crossed the Chari River by pirogue to reach N'Djaména, the Chadian capital in the midst of hostilities. This courageous gesture symbolizes his commitment to peace and reconciliation in the region.
This historic role is in keeping with the close relations between Togo and Chad, marked by constant hospitality and support.
Togo is still being asked by the African Union to facilitate dialogue between the Chadian transitional government and the politico-military movements with a view to an inclusive national conference.
In a complex and tense context, this mission illustrates Togo's diplomatic heritage, based on neutrality and the quest for compromise to stabilize the region.
The defender
English 
French 
Spanish 
German 