Togo: Nationwide anti-government protests Nov. 14-18 /update 8

Event

The political opposition has announced it is open to negotiations with the Togolese government in the hopes of finding a solution to the ongoing crisis. However various opposition parties have called for another five days of protests to take place nationwide between Tuesday, November 14, and Saturday, November 18. The times and location of the protests have not yet been announced. However, the largest are expected to take place in the capital Lomé. An increased security presence is likely and major transportation disruptions are to be expected in affected areas. Clashes between protesters and security forces cannot be ruled out.

Context

Numerous opposition sit-ins and marches - some of which have turned violent - have been held in Lomé and other cities over the past two months. The 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 to demand that President Faure Gnassingbé, in power since 2005, step down. Demonstrators have also demanded the unconditional release of individuals arrested during past protests, the immediate cessation of prosecutions and violence against opposition activists and leaders, and the establishment of an independent international commission to investigate violence committed by security forces against protesters. At least 16 people have been killed and around 200 wounded in opposition protests since mid-August.

In an attempt to ease the situation, the Togolese government announced, on November 6, the opening of talks with the opposition, released 42 demonstrators detained since September, and dropped arson charges against opposition leader Jean Pierre Fabre dating back to 2013.

Advice

Individuals in Togo are advised to avoid all public gatherings (particularly political events) due to the risk of violence and to monitor the situation. Be prepared to shelter in place in the event of further unrest or a sudden deterioration in the country’s security situation (stock up on food, water, and other necessities).