Togo: Opposition calls for general strike on September 29 /update 15

Event

Opposition protests scheduled to take place on September 26, 27, and 28 have been called off. Instead, the opposition coalition in Togo has called for a “journée ville morte” (general strike) to be held in the capital Lomé and other major urban centers on Friday, September 29. According to local sources, the coordinated strike has been organized in protest the government's heavy-handed response during last week’s demonstrations. On Wednesday, September 20, in the northern city of Mango, a boy was killed, at least 25 other people were injured, seven more were arrested, and houses were ransacked during an anti-government protest. According to media reports, further protests are likely to take place next week, although details concerning the times and locations of these demonstrations are yet to be released.

Increased security measures and traffic disruptions are expected.

Context

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.

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 cuts on internet access, mobile data, and communications from September 5 to September 11. Another cut was announced ahead of the September 26, 27, and 28 protests, but is still unconfirmed.

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.