BONFOH ABASS

El-Hadj Bonfoh Abass was a distinguished Togolese politician who served as the interim President of Togo from February to May 2005. Born in Kabou, Bassar Prefecture, Abass had a long career in educational planning before entering national politics. He was the Regional Director of Educational Planning in Kpalimé and Kara from the 1980s until 1999.

In March 1999, Abass was elected to the National Assembly as the RPT candidate for the Third Constituency of Bassar Prefecture, securing his seat with an impressive majority. He was re-elected in 2002 and took on significant roles, including First Rapporteur of the Socio-Cultural Development Committee and First Vice-President of the National Assembly.

Abass assumed the presidency of Togo in February 2005 following President Faure Gnassingbé's resignation amid international pressure. His tenure as interim president was brief, lasting until May 2005, when Gnassingbé was re-elected and formally resumed office. During his time in office, Abass was criticized by some as a placeholder for Gnassingbé, but he played a crucial role in maintaining stability.

Returning to the National Assembly, Abass was re-elected in October 2007 and was subsequently re-elected as President of the National Assembly in November of the same year. He continued to support Gnassingbé’s administration and was involved in advocating for improvements in public services and institutional reforms. His term as President of the National Assembly ended in July 2013, when Dama Dramani succeeded him. Reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bonfoh_Abass