At least seven people have died and dozens more have been injured following a violent crackdown on anti-government protests across Togo this past weekend, plunging the West African nation into one of its most volatile periods in recent years.
The demonstrations, which began peacefully in the capital Lomé, were led by youth groups and online activists demanding the release of political detainees and the resignation of President Faure Gnassingbé, who has ruled the country since 2005 and was recently appointed President of the Council of State Ministers.
But what started as a civic movement for justice quickly descended into chaos.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of fear and confusion as security forces fired tear gas into crowds, sending demonstrators running for cover through narrow alleyways. In some neighbourhoods, including the opposition stronghold of Bè, the situation turned into what residents called “a war zone.” Protesters retaliated by throwing stones, leading to violent clashes that lasted through Friday and Saturday.
Although the government has yet to confirm an official death toll, local media and human rights groups report that at least seven people were killed, with many more hospitalised due to serious injuries.
A coalition of 23 civil society organisations, operating under the banner of the National Platform for Civic Space and Development Effectiveness, issued a strongly worded statement on Sunday. The group condemned what it called the “disproportionate use of force against peaceful demonstrators” and demanded an immediate, independent investigation.
“Peaceful protest is a fundamental right, recognised both by the Togolese Constitution and by international law,” the statement read.
In response, the government accused overseas organisers of orchestrating a “campaign of disinformation, hatred, violence, incivility, and civil disobedience.” Authorities reiterated a national ban on public demonstrations, which has been in place since 2022 due to what officials call “security concerns.”
