At least seven people have been killed and dozens more injured in Togo’s capital, Lomé, following three days of anti-government demonstrations that were met with a forceful response from security forces. Civic and human rights organisations reported on Sunday that the bodies were recovered from rivers in the capital, accusing security forces and militias of committing abuses against demonstrators.
The government, however, has denied the deaths are linked to the unrest, stating that forensic analysis indicated drowning as the cause. These deadly Togo protests have drawn condemnation from rights groups.
The demonstrations, which began on Thursday and escalated on Friday and Saturday, were organised by youth-led movements and online activists. Protesters blocked streets with burning tyres and barricades to voice their anger over recent constitutional changes, a government crackdown on dissent, and the rising cost of living. Security forces responded by firing tear gas to disperse the crowds, leading to street battles in opposition strongholds like Bè.
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Constitutional Changes Fuel Public Anger
The recent wave of unrest follows significant constitutional reforms that critics have labelled an “institutional coup d’état.” In May, President Faure Gnassingbé, whose family has ruled the West African nation for 58 years, was sworn into the newly created post of President of the Council of Ministers. This position has no term limits, effectively allowing him to remain in power indefinitely. The reforms also transitioned the country to a parliamentary system, ending direct presidential elections.
The government has taken a hard line against the organisers, threatening legal action and describing the demonstrations as a “campaign of disinformation and hatred” orchestrated from abroad. Demonstrations have been officially banned since 2022, with authorities citing “security reasons.”
A coalition of 23 Togolese civil rights groups has condemned the “use of disproportionate force against peaceful demonstrators” and called for an official investigation into the police repression. The violent protests highlights the deep political divisions in the country.
In addition to the fatalities, the civic groups reported more than 60 arrests during the three days of turmoil. While calm had reportedly returned to Lomé by Sunday, the underlying tensions that sparked the Togo protests remain unresolved.
Image: Demonstrators set up a barricade during a protest calling for President Faure Gnassingbe’s resignation in Lome, Togo, Thursday, June 26, 2025. [Associated Press/Africanews]
