Togo: Deadly protests Sep. 20, further protests scheduled /update 14

Event

Police forces reportedly used tear gas, batons, and live ammunition to disperse anti-government protests held nationwide on Wednesday, September 20. A boy was killed in the northern city of Mango, where at least 25 other people were injured, seven arrested, and houses ransacked. Violence also broke out in the northern cities of Bafilo and Kara. Further protests both against and in support of the president are set to resume on Thursday, September 21. Increased security measures and traffic disruptions are expected.

Furthermore, the political opposition has called for further protests to take place on September 26, 27, and 28. The internet has been cut - again - ahead of these protests.

Context

Numerous opposition sit-ins and marches have been held in the capital Lomé and other cities throughout late August and September. Demonstrations have been organized by various opposition groups, including the Pan-African National Party (PNP), the Combat pour l'Alternance Politique en 2015 (CAP 2015), and the Groupe des Six. Thousands have taken to the streets demanding that President Faure Gnassingbe, who has been in power since 2005, step down. Gnassignbe is currently serving his third term after coming to power following the death of his father. Demonstrators have also demanded the unconditional release of those arrested during August 19-20 protests, the immediate cessation of prosecutions and violence against PNP activists and leaders, and the establishment of an independent international commission to investigate violence by security forces against protesters.

Demonstrations have continued despite attempts by authorities to crack down on protesters, including cuts to internet access, mobile data, and other means of communication. Clashes have been frequent between the opposition and security forces, who have used force to disperse the crowds.

On September 19, parliament failed to approve a draft bill that would have amended the constitution to reduce the presidential term limit, after opposition lawmakers walked out in protest. The government had hoped the bill, which included a two-term limit for the president and a two-round voting system, would have appeased the opposition, which had demanded the institutional reforms promised by Gnassingbe during the 2015 electoral campaign. Parliament reportedly intends to bypass the legislative path by organizing a referendum on the issue to be held at a yet-to-be-determined date in the near future; opposition figures have already denounced the vote.

Advice

Individuals present in Togo, particularly in Lomé, are advised to monitor developments to the situation and avoid all demonstrations as violence may flare up without warning.