Several killed in demonstrations in Togo

Several people were killed during anti-government demonstrations over the weekend in Togo’s capital, Lome, according to civil society groups.

The unrest comes as Togo’s long-time leader, Faure Gnassingbe, is positioned to remain in power indefinitely following controversial constitutional reforms.

A grouping of civil society organisations and opposition parties in the West African country under the banner of “Don’t Touch my Constitution” said security forces assaulted protesters. Reuters news agency, citing witnesses, said security forces used tear gas and batons.

The civil society groups said that seven people died during the protests, adding that several bodies were found in lakes and lagoons.

The groups issued a statement denouncing “abuses committed by elements of the security forces and militia” during the protests, and called for an “international investigation.”

Togolese authorities did not comment on the reports of violence against protesters at the hands of security forces. The government acknowledged in a statement Sunday that bodies were recovered from a lagoon and lake in the capital, but said the victims died from drowning.

Why are people protesting in Togo?

The demonstrations over the weekend were the second in a month, after authorities clamped down on protesters in early June. About 50 arrests were reported by the authorities on June 5 and 6. Another call to demonstrate was made for Tuesday.

Demonstrations in Togo have been banned since a deadly attack in 2022 at a market in Lome. However, fears over democratic backsliding after the recent reforms have sparked protest.

In May, Gnassingbe was sworn into the powerful new role of President of the Council of Ministers, which has no fixed term limit. Opposition politicians denounced the move as a “constitutional coup.”

Gnassingbe former job as president has now been rendered mostly ceremonial. He has ruled Togo since 2005, having taken over as president from his father Gnassingbe Eyadema.