20 Aug 2017 | 04:13 PM UTC
Togo: At least two killed in PNP demonstrations August 19 /update 2
At least two people killed and dozens wounded in Pan-African National Party protests on Saturday, August 19
Event
At least two people were killed during demonstrations led by supporters of the opposition Pan-African National Party (PNP) in the capital city of Lomé on Saturday, August 19. Members of the PNP claim seven civilians were killed, however the Security Ministry of Togo disputed the opposition death toll, claiming that two civilians were killed and 12 gendarmes were wounded.
Security has been increased in the capital and other major Togolese cities. Further protests are possible in the coming days.
Context
The PNP is calling for the implementation of the initial 1992 Constitution and the right to vote for the diaspora. PNP leaders regularly organize demonstrations to demand institutional reforms promised by the president during the 2015 electoral campaign. Faure Gnassingbé has been the president of Togo since 2005 and, despite the opposition's objections, ran for re-election in 2015 - defeating opposition candidate and CAP 2015 leader Jean-Pierre Fabre.
Advice
Individuals present in Lomé are advised to monitor developments to the situation and avoid all demonstrations as violence may flare up without warning.
