Monsignor Philippe Kpodzro, the Togolese Man of the Church and Politician, bowed out on January 9, 2024 in Sweden, after having been forced into exile for a long time. A disappearance which leaves its religious community orphaned but also and above all the political Opposition to the regime of Faure Gnassingbé.
He spent his life defending his religious faith and his political convictions. A life in the service of his country and his conscience. This is the least that can be said of Monsignor Philippe Kpodzro, the former archbishop of Lomé but who had taken up the cause of Democracy in a Togo ruled from Father to Son. At the risk of his own existence.
Some may well ask themselves the question of the choice between Religion and Politics and hesitate about the course of action to take. Among African Religious, Monsignor Philippe Kpodzro is one of the few to have chosen not to abandon the people of Togo to take refuge behind his Catholic Priest's Cassock. This remains a mark of courage that History will associate with the name of this charismatic prelate that Africa and the whole world discovered on the occasion of the Sovereign National Conference (CNS) of Togo which he led under General Gnassingbé Eyadema.
Despite the abuses and humiliations of which he was subsequently subjected, he never abandoned the defense of the cause of the Togolese people and their legitimate aspiration for democracy. Whether collectively or individually, he was one of the most unwavering supporters of political opponents who were struggling in the face of a more dictatorial regime.
Since 2007, when he retired from his position as a Man of the Church, he has devoted most of his time to defending the aspirations of his people for political change and democracy. The proof is that, during the 2020 presidential campaign, he openly supported opposition candidate Agbéyomé Kodjo. But the outcome of the election and his vitriolic speech against the regime of President Faure Gnassingbé led him to flee his native Togo.
Died at the age of 93 in Sweden after spending 40 of his 93 years as a bishop, Monsignor Philippe Kpodzro will remain in the collective memory a great figure in the History of Togo. He dreamed of a change in Togo outside the Eyadema clan and trying to unite the Opposition for a change in Power. He therefore leaves his fight as a legacy to the Togolese who should not let the name and even less the fight of this great man who fought the good fight for his people sink into oblivion. Without losing Faith.
By Daniel Yaoni
