1/7/2025–|Last update: 19:12 (Mecca time)
The tension in the Tofuli capital, Lome, escalated after the killing of 7 people during popular protests, prompting the opposition and civil society organizations to demand an independent international investigation, in light of the accusations of security forces and militias loyal to them of “severe violations.”
The “Civil Front for Togo stands” reported that the bodies of the victims were found in a waterways after the demonstrations, and described what happened as “serious abuses” committed by security services and paramilitary elements.
For its part, the authorities denied these accusations, and said that the victims had drowned, accusing some parties of seeking to use the tragedy to achieve political gains.
A “unconstitutional touch” front – which includes opposition blocs and human rights organizations – leads the efforts to pay towards an international investigation, considering the words of its spokesman Nathaniel Olmelo that official investigations into Togo “end up without results, and the causes of deaths remain mystery.”
In a remarkable position, the Togo Bishop condemned what he described as “unacceptable use of strength”, calling for respect for the lives of the demonstrators “regardless of the legality of the marches.”
A statement by the Church indicated that excessive repression “cannot be justified even if the demonstrations do not obtain an official license.”
Togo has been witnessing continuous protests for the background of the arrest of opposition activists, the increase in electricity prices, in addition to constitutional amendments that gave President Four Ghannasingbi more executive powers.
During the demonstrations on June 5 and 6, the authorities announced the arrest of about 50 people, while the security forces used tear gas to disperse the protesters.
Opposing forces are preparing to organize new demonstrations next Tuesday.
In light of the escalation, the opposition called for the boycott of the municipal elections scheduled for July 17, and described it as “sham”, doubting the integrity of the entire process, and considering it part of a “system that lacks legitimacy”, as she put it.