Lome Togo on Monday ditched its traditional military parade for the first time as restrictions over the coronavirus pandemic forced it to scale back celebrations of its 60th independence anniversary.
The West African nation of around 8 million had been planning major ceremonies across the country to mark its independence from France in 1960.
But those were scrapped after President Faure Gnassingbe declared a "state of emergency” on April 1 to try to stop the spread of coronavirus.
The leader instead attended a small military ceremony in the courtyard of the presidential palace that lasted only 5 minutes. (AFP)
The West African nation of around 8 million had been planning major ceremonies across the country to mark its independence from France in 1960.
But those were scrapped after President Faure Gnassingbe declared a "state of emergency” on April 1 to try to stop the spread of coronavirus.
The leader instead attended a small military ceremony in the courtyard of the presidential palace that lasted only 5 minutes. (AFP)