Togo: Protest planned in Lomé August 3

Event

The Combat pour l’Alternance Politique en 2015 (CAP 2015) coalition of opposition parties has called for a protest to take place in the capital Lomé on Thursday, August 3. The demonstration is intended to denounce what the coalition perceives as a willingness among the ruling Rassemblement du Peuple Togolais (RPT) party to remain in power indefinitely, and to push for the rapid implementation of political reforms and local elections. Opposition members have also criticized the government’s unwillingness to work with other political parties. Increased security measures and traffic disruptions are likely along the march route, which has yet to be determined, although Lomé’s northeastern districts of Bé and Deckon are known to be traditional opposition gathering points.

Context

Togo is characterized by a dynamic political climate, including a strong opposition which regularly organizes 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.