Fambaré Ouattara Natchaba
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Fambaré Ouattara Natchaba (b. 17 April 1945 in Gando, Togo) is a current member and former speaker of the Togolese National Assembly. Currently he is a member of the Pan-African Parliament representing Togo.
A prominent member of the ruling Rally of the Togolese People (RPT) party, Natchaba has held many positions in government including - RPT Delegate to the Togolese National Conference (1991), Foreign Minister (14 September 1992-20 March 1994), and President of the RPT parliamentary group.
He was first elected to the National Assembly in 1994 representing the Oti prefecture (Savanes Region) and was re-elected in 1999 and 2002. He served as its speaker from 3 September 2000 to 6 February 2005.
President Gnassingbé Eyadéma died on 5 February 2005. Soon after his death, the armed forces sealed its borders with neighboring countries and invested presidential powers in his son Fauré. These moves were in direct contrast to the country's constitution which stated that the National Assembly speaker would serve as acting president for 60 days until elections were held. Natchaba, who was in Benin at the time of Eyadéma's death was unable to return to Togo. The military's actions were condemned by the international community as a coup d'etat.
On 6 February, the National Assembly voted to remove Natchaba as speaker. Fauré Gnassingbé was unanimously selected to head the national assembly. Following increased pressure both inside and outside of Togo, Gnassingbé resigned on 25 February and Abbas Bonfoh was designated National Assembly speaker and thus became acting president.
Accompanied by President Mathieu Kérékou of Benin, Fambaré Natchaba returned to Togo on 5 March 2005. They met with senior army, government, and RPT officials.
Before departing, Kérékou reportedly told leading RPT officials - "I've brought Natchaba to you. He is your brother and has no other option but to reunite with his political family and work within the ranks of the RPT, to perpetuate Eyadéma's legacy."
Mr. Natchaba is married and the father of five children.
