Tragedy in Angola: Togo Bus Attack Updates & Developments

Following the ambush of the Togo national team bus on it’s way to Cabinda for the African Cup of Nations 2010, I wrote a preliminary piece on Just Football with some of the main issues that needed addressing. Reports were hazy at the time and as the hours have passed further details are beginning to emerge. Here is what we now know after yesterday:

FLEC claim responsibility

Hours after yesterday’s attack, FLEC issued a statement claiming responsibility and blaming the African Football Confederarion (CAF) for not heeding warnings. “CAF had all the documents explaining the threat and chose not to heed our warnings. They should assume responsibility. We are not rebels but a political and military organisation in Cabinda. Cabinda is an illegally occupied territory in Angola and we are fighting for the liberation of this territory.”

Whatever their claims, any sympathy for the movement was surely rendered void the moment they chose to attack and kill innocent people.

Emmanuel Adebayor describes “one of the worst things I’ve ever been through in my life.”

Togo captain speaks out about the horror of the attacks in an interview, claiming that journalists would be looking at “his dead body” if it were not for the security forces escorting the Togo team through the hinter regions of Cabinda. According to Adebayor the attacks went on for “30 minutes” and he also describes the pain and sadness of having to carry critically injured colleagues into the hospital for treatment. Pictures are released of a visibly shaken squad in tears.

From his interview it appears that the first Togo bus carrying luggage was decimated. Had the players and staff been on that first bus, this already terrible nightmare could have had a far, far worse ending.

Adebayor also says the players will now rest and hold a meeting to decide whether to pull out of the African Cup of Nations 2010 completely.

CAF confirm the tournament will go ahead

Resisting calls to postpone or cancel the competition, CAF confirm the tournament will go ahead as planned. The idea of changing Group B’s venue from Cabinda to elsewhere is not mentioned but a meeting of governing bodies is called to discuss options.

Meanwhile question marks over why Togo travelled from Congo to Cabinda by bus remain. “CAF’s rules are very clear,” says Souleymane Bamba, “the teams must travel by plane.” This one is a serious issue which still needs resolving, and appears to be the key mistake or oversight that led to this tragic event. Pitch Invasion has more on the situation in Cabinda.

Togo withdraw from the African Cup of Nations 2010

The next morning, Togolese officials confirm the players are in no fit state to play at the African Cup of Nations 2010 and they will be leaving for Lomé, the capital of Togo. The team hold a meeting with tournament organisers and the Angolan government.

Death toll rises to three, Obilale critical

Reports emerge that the death toll is now three as the Togolese assistant coach and the team’s communications officer are also pronounced dead.

Second goalkeeper Kodjovi Obilale is also in critical condition after being shot in the back and stomach. He has been flown to South Africa for further medical attention. Some are reporting his death already, but though the situation is critical his passing is unconfirmed.

A boycott on the way?

“After what has happened to Togo the party is finished,” says Ivory Coast captain Didier Drogba. Ivory Coast and Ghana, both in Group B with Togo, are now apparently in discussions regarding a boycott of the tournament. Cameroon are also involved in discussions led by Drogba, Michael Essien and Samuel Eto’o, with the feeling that after the events in Cabinda and the risks that remain, the only option is for them to withdraw from the African Cup of Nations 2010.

This is what we know at the moment. Three are dead, more lives are in jeopardy, FLEC have said this is “just the beginning” and the tournament is hanging by a thread. I personally cannot see how Cabinda can remain a venue after what has happened, and feel that if this Cup of Nations is to proceed Group B must have a venue change if for nothing other than to try and ease the fears of the four teams situated there. Lives cannot be put at risk any longer.

Given the trauma involved it seems highly unlikely that Togo will be in any fit state to play, despite attempts by the Angolan government and CAF to come to a resolution. It is hard to imagine going through such an ordeal, for 30 minutes, and then playing football 48 hours later with members of your delegation dead.

We’ll continue to bring you updates as and when we get them and our thoughts and prayers are with Kodjovi Obilale and anyone else in a serious condition. Whatever happens, the African Cup of Nations 2010 has been tainted.

African Cup of Nations 2010, African Football, Angola, Politics and Society, Togo