The African Union's peace and security council has called on all African countries to impose sanctions against Togo over the military's installation of President Faure Gnassingbe.
The council Friday backed sanctions by the West African group ECOWAS, and urged the AU's 53 members to follow suit.
ECOWAS has agreed to slap an arms embargo and travel ban on Togolese officials.
Also Friday, the vice president of Togo's ruling party, George Dahoun Gignor, told VOA that Mr. Gnassingbe must step down, saying the embattled leader has no choice.
However, the ruling party Friday backed Mr. Gnassingbe as its candidate in presidential elections expected within 60 days. President Gnassingbe told cheering party members he accepted the nomination.
He took power earlier this month after the death of his father, Gnassingbe Eyadema.
Some information for this report provided by AP and AFP.
