7 Individuals Killed in Togo Protests Last Week
A rise in violence suggests that the government has chosen brutality as its primary method for dealing with a population it refuses to listen to, according to a statement.
Last week, at least seven people were killed and many others injured during anti-government protests in Togo’s capital, as reported by various local human rights and civil society organizations on Sunday.
From Thursday through Saturday, demonstrations took place in Lome, where numerous protesters demanded the resignation of Faure Gnassingbe, the president of the Council of Ministers. Protesters blocked roads and set tires on fire, causing considerable disruption to businesses, as depicted in social media videos.
These protests were initiated by civil society activists and bloggers, aiming not only for political change but also opposing government repression of dissent, rising living costs, and a constitutional amendment that expanded Gnassingbe’s powers, potentially allowing him to remain in office indefinitely.
In a joint statement from several organizations, including one known as ODDH, it was revealed that two bodies were retrieved from a lake in Akodessewa and another two from the lagoon in the Be district of Lome.
The groups accused Togolese security forces and affiliated militias of committing abuses against protesters.
“The streets of Lome once again experienced severe and systematic repression. The demonstrations led by Togolese youth faced violent suppression by police forces, seemingly intended to instill fear rather than restore order. This will be remembered collectively,” stated the announcement.
According to NGOs, over 60 individuals have been arrested.
The Togolese authorities have yet to release any statements regarding the deaths or detentions.
However, on June 6, the government warned citizens against using social media to disseminate “unfounded information likely to incite serious disturbances to public order,” cautioning that those identified would face legal consequences.
Leading opposition parties such as the National Alliance for Change have also called for Gnassingbe’s resignation due to the controversial constitutional reform and alleged repressive actions.
On June 17, Amnesty International urged Togolese officials to investigate allegations of torture experienced by protesters following demonstrations on June 5 and 6.
Gnassingbe was officially appointed president of Togo’s Council of Ministers by the National Assembly earlier this May under a new Constitution moving towards a parliamentary system.
This transition transformed his role from that of president of Togo to leader of the council.
The disputed constitution approved by parliament last year shifted Togo from a presidential system toward a parliamentary framework. Under this arrangement, executive power is held by a “president of the council of ministers,” making Togo’s presidential role largely ceremonial. Consequently, parliament elected a new president in May who will serve a single six-year term replacing Gnassingbe.
