Protests erupted in Togo after Faure Gnassingbé, president for 20 years was sworn into a new role with no term limits. His family has ruled Togo for 58 years.
Demonstrations began in Lomé on Thursday, and by Friday, they turned violent. Tear gas was fired and stones thrown. Clashes also broke out in opposition strongholds like Bè.
7 bodies including 2 minors and 2 siblings, were found in rivers and lagoons across Lomé .
Human rights groups accuse security forces and militias of excessive force and killings. The government refutes this, claiming the deaths were due to drowning and denies any link to protests. Officials are threatening legal action against organizers, calling the protests “a campaign of hate.”
Over 50 arrests were made earlier in June. The arrest and detention of rapper Aamron (Narcisse Tchalla) added fuel to the fire. Most detainees have since been released but at least 3 remain in custody. Critics say Togo is facing an “institutional coup.”
Protesters are demanding:
- Resignation of Gnassingbé
- Release of political prisoners
- Democratic reforms
While calm has returned to Lomé, tensions remain high. Civil society groups are calling for independent investigations into the deaths and the government’s crackdown.
