Botswana condemns CAF to suspend Togo from Africa Cup

The Botswana government Sunday condemned the Confederation of African Football's (CAF) decision to suspend Togo from next two editions of the Africa Nations Cup, and called on CAF to reverse its decision.

In a release Sunday by the office of the President Ian Khama, Botswana described the CAF's decision insensitive.

The CAF's decision follows Togo's withdrawal from the Africa Nations Cup in Angola after their team suffered a horrific attack in Cabinda, whilst enroute to the 2010 Africa Nations Cup, where some members of the team lost their lives, and others were injured.

"The government of Togo and the people of Togo have suffered an immeasurable loss which calls for a high degree of compassion and understanding from the African football fraternity," read the statement by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Phandu Skelemani.

"The CAF rules barring interference by governments in the running of football cannot in this case apply, because governments ultimately have the responsibility for the welfare and security of their citizens. Football can never take precedence over the feelings of people after such a tragic event."

"The CAF decision negates the spirit of football of bringing people together and the African spirit of unity and compassion. We call upon CAF to reverse its unreasonable decision to suspend Togo and we appeal to all CAF affiliates to apply pressure on the CAF governing body to revoke its decision."

Source: Xinhua