Togo: Five wounded in clashes in Lomé October 19 /update 2

Event

At least five opposition protesters were wounded in isolated skirmishes with security forces in Bè district of Togo's capital Lomé on Thursday, October 19, following the deaths of at least four protesters in similar clashes during protests in Lomé and Sokodé on Wednesday. Additional organized protests were planned for Thursday, although according to a statement released October 18 by the US Embassy in Lomé, there were no set routes for Thursday's planned demonstrations in the capital. However, media sources reported as of 16:15 (local time) on Thursday that opposition supporters still planned to assemble at the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) building later on Thursday to demand the resignation of President Faure Gnassingbé. According to the US Embassy, protesters may also assemble on the beach adjacent to the Ibis Hotel, as well as near the intersection of National Route 1 (N1) and Boulevard Circulaire in the Dekon neighborhood.

Many commercial establishments in Lomé​, most of which were closed around 12:00 on Wednesday, remained closed on Thursday. Significant traffic disruptions are expected in and around Lomé on Thursday, particularly on the N1 highway, and may continue into the coming days; burned tires and barricades remain in place on many main thoroughfares in the capital. Communications disruptions are also possible, as Togolese authorities have been known to cut internet and mobile phone service amid protests. Additional opposition protests are planned on October 30-31, but more demonstrations may be organized in the intervening days.

Context

On Wednesday, violent clashes between protesters and government security forces were reported in Lomé in Bè, Agoè, Attikoumé, Baguida, and Kodjoviakopé districts, killing at least one person. Three other deaths were reported in similar clashes in Sokodé. At least 20 people were seriously wounded in the clashes, and Togolese authorities arrested some 60 people throughout the country.

Numerous opposition sit-ins and marches - some of which turned violent - have been held in Lomé and other cities over the past two months. Demonstrations have been organized by various opposition groups, including the Parti National Panafricain (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 Gnassingbé, in power since 2005, step down. Demonstrators have also demanded the unconditional release of those arrested during protests that took place on August 19-20, the immediate cessation of prosecutions and violence against opposition activists and leaders, and the establishment of an independent international commission to investigate violence by security forces against protesters.

Advice

Individuals present in Togo are advised to shelter in place if located in an area affected by the current unrest, monitor developments to the situation, and avoid all demonstrations as violence may flare up without warning.