At least seven killed in Togo political unrest
At least seven killed in Togo political unrest
At least seven people have died and many others have been injured during recent anti-government protests in Lomé, the capital of Togo. These figures were shared by civic groups on Sunday and are still being confirmed.
The protests were sparked by recent constitutional reforms that could allow President Faure Gnassingbé to stay in power for an extended period. He has ruled Togo since 2005, after the death of his father.
Videos from the protests show police using tear gas in several parts of the city. Some protesters were also reportedly beaten with batons, leading to serious injuries.
Internet access has been restricted across the country and social media platforms are working only at times.
Civil society groups and online activists had called for protests on June 26, 27 and 28. These followed an earlier crackdown on demonstrations earlier this month.
President Gnassingbé was recently sworn in as President of the Council of Ministers, a powerful role with no set term limit. He can now be re-elected to the position by Parliament as many times as lawmakers choose. The presidency, which now holds less power was given to Jean-Lucien Kwassi Savi de Tove.
Opposition leaders have strongly criticised the new government structure. Some have called it a “constitutional coup.”
Protests have been rare in Togo since 2022, when the government banned public demonstrations following a deadly attack at the main market in Lomé.
Many across the region have condemned the reforms, warning that they threaten democracy in a part of Africa already facing several coups and growing political instability.
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