Amnesty International expressed outrage on Thursday over the violent crackdown on protests in Togo on June 26, citing the unjustified use of force by the police and security forces.
The organization urged the Togolese authorities to stop the unlawful use of force and ensure the release of those detained, calling for an investigation into the cases of alleged unlawful killings, arbitrary arrests, torture, and abduction. Fabien Offner, a researcher for the rights group, stated, “All light must be shed on these deaths and the whereabouts of those who have disappeared. Those detained for exercising their right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly must be released.”
The statement followed recent violence in the capital of Lomé amid protests against new provisions that could allow the current longstanding leader to remain in power indefinitely. After the new constitution was enacted in April 2024, the role of the president of the Council of Ministers became the central seat of authority in Togo. At the same time, the president is elected not by popular vote but by members of parliament. Although the presidential term is reduced from five to four years, with a maximum of two terms allowed, the time the current president has already spent in office is not counted. Faure Gnassingbé, who has led the country since taking over from his late father in 2005, was appointed to this position on May 3, 2025.
Protesters who took to the streets from June 26 to 28 expressed their opposition to such changes, which they consider a seizure of power. Witnesses and civic rights groups have reported that security forces used tear gas and batons to break up the protests, resulting in at least seven deaths as a result of the crackdown. The Togolese government denies any links between these fatalities and the recent demonstrations.
Testimonies of 13 victims and witnesses of violence, gathered by Amnesty International, confirmed deployment of force by law enforcement and those labeled as “militiamen.” Respondents, including minors, recounted being attacked, arrested, and subjected to beatings. In addition, there were also reports of several people going missing, allegedly abducted by unidentified persons.
The crackdown on protests has also drawn reactions from regional NGOs. The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) condemned the use of force against demonstrators and unarmed citizens, calling for an independent investigation into the events and for those responsible to be held accountable, emphasizing the importance of respecting human rights in Togo.
The ban on protests in Togo since 2022 and persistent violence against demonstrators have raised serious human rights concerns. Rights advocates say that the treatment of protestors not only violates internationally recognized basic human rights, such as rights to liberty, security of person and freedom of expression but also signals the erosion of civil liberties in the country.
