France, Togo
Influential law professor Charles Debbasch dies quietly in France
Frenchman Charles Debbasch, a professor of administrative law and architect of tailor-made constitutions in Africa, died on 8 January, though his family had been trying to keep the news under wraps. Until the end of his life Debbasch advised Togolese President Faure Gnassingbé, who welcomed him to Togo shortly after his conviction in France over his management of the Vasarely Foundation.