Ceremonies throughout Togo last week (21 June) marked the 17th anniversary of the death of 20 Togolese rebels in 1957. They died fighting for independence from France, which was achieved three years later.

In Lome the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Joachim Hunlede, laid a wreath at a memorial to the fighters, whom he described as 'martyrs'. Thousands attended the ceremony, including many government ministers.

A statute in 1955 gave Togo a degree of internal autonomy, but full independence was not achieved until 1960.

Head of State, General Gnassinghe Eyadema, attended another ceremony at Pya Hodo -- the town where the rebels were killed. He said it was right that those who had died for their country should be honoured with a prayer ceremony.