At least seven people have died and dozens more were injured during three days of anti-government protests in the Togolese capital, according to local civic groups and rights organisations. The demonstrations, which took place from June 27 to 29, drew large crowds expressing anger over recent constitutional reforms, economic hardships, and an escalating crackdown on dissent.
Campaigning groups, including “Front Citoyen Togo Debout”, said they had recovered seven bodies from rivers around Lomé. The victims reportedly died amid clashes with security forces. “We are in a country where citizens still have the right to go out, to express themselves,” said David Dosseh, a spokesperson for the civic front, during a press briefing on Sunday.
Authorities have yet to release an official death toll, but a gendarme unit has acknowledged two deaths by drowning. Meanwhile, rights groups say the protests were met with excessive force by the police and pro-government militias. Over 60 people were arrested during the protests, and dozens were injured.
The unrest comes in response to growing frustration with President Faure Gnassingbé’s government. The 59-year-old leader, in power since 2005, recently pushed through a constitutional reform that opposition groups say strengthens his grip on power. The reform has sparked concerns over democratic backsliding in the West African nation.
Adding fuel to the fire are rising electricity prices and alleged human rights abuses. On June 5 and 6, nearly 50 protesters, mainly young people, were arrested. Most were later released, but Amnesty International has raised alarms about reports of torture and inhumane treatment of detainees.
In response, the Togolese government denied having received any official complaints of abuse and condemned what it called “a clear will to sow disorder and chaos” by the protesters.
Togo has a long history of political unrest, and these recent developments highlight the deepening tensions between the state and civil society. As calls for justice grow louder, civic groups are demanding transparency, accountability, and an end to state-sponsored repression.
