Togo: Parliament passes bill on presidential terms; protests to continue /update 12

Event

Parliament approved a draft bill which would amend the constitution to reduce the presidential term limit on Friday, September 15. The government hoped the bill, which includes a two-term limit for the president and a two-round voting system, will appease the opposition, which has demanded the institutional reforms promised by President Faure Gnassingbe during the 2015 electoral campaign. However, the opposition in Parliament left the Friday session in protest, stating it was demanding further amendments to the constitution.

Following these events, the ruling Union for the Republic (UNIR) party called for protests in the capital city of Lomé on Wednesday, September 20, and Thursday, September 21. The opposition has also called for protests on September 20-21.

Increased security measures are likely throughout Lomé and clashes between demonstrators and security forces cannot be ruled out. Expect traffic disruptions in the vicinity of the events.

Context

Numerous opposition sit-ins and marches have been held in 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 Gnassingbe, who has been in power since 2005, stand down. Gnassignbe is currently serving his third term after taking power after 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.

These protests have been held despite attempts by authorities to crack down on protesters, including a six-day cut on internet access, mobile data, and communications from September 5. Clashes have been frequent between the opposition and security forces, who have used a force to disperse the crowds. At least two demonstrators have died, while upwards of 80 people have been injured and 250 more arrested. According to Amnesty International, on September 6 alone, 100,000 people responded to calls to rally.

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.