Togo: Dialogue between government and opposition to resume Jan. 23-26

Event

Political dialogue between the Togolese government and the opposition coalition is expected to resume on Tuesday, January 23, in an effort to resolve the ongoing political crisis. Following related discussions between the opposition and African Union Chairperson Alpha Condé in Conakry on Monday, January 15, and Tuesday, January 16, Condé proposed that talks between the sides resume from January 23-26. The opposition has demanded that the Togolese government meet certain preconditions before entering such negotiations (i.e. releasing political prisoners, lifting restrictions on protesting in the cities of Mango, Bafilo, and Sokodé, and the removal of Togolese military forces from the cities they have been deployed in recent weeks). It is currently unclear if the Togolese government will carry out such demands.

On a separate note, a nationwide women's march also organized by the opposition will be held on Saturday, January 20, in Lomé and several other cities. An increased security presence along with major transportation disruptions are to be expected around any demonstrations.

Context

Thousands have taken to the streets over the past four months to demand that President Faure Gnassingbé, who has been in power since 2005, step down. According to media sources, the government still intends to hold a referendum following the planned negotiations on a drafted revision to the constitution that would permit Gnassingbé to run for additional terms in office.

At least 16 people have been killed and around 200 wounded in opposition protests since mid-August 2017. Opposition leaders have urged the government to take concrete measures to address these high sociopolitical tensions.

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.