Togo: Political opposition protests March 20-22, 24 /update 2

Event

Togolese political opposition groups are planning a series of protests and marches on Tuesday, March 20, Wednesday, March 21, Thursday, March 22, and Saturday, March 24, demanding that the country return to the 1992 constitution, among other demands. No further details of the planned demonstrations have been announced as of Wednesday, March 14. A heightened security presence and localized traffic disruptions are expected near demonstrations and marches, especially in Lomé.

Context

The rallies were originally scheduled to take place in Lomé on Tuesday, March 13, Wednesday, March 14, Thursday, March 15, and Saturday, March 17. According to a previous statement issued by opposition leaders, the demonstrations were being organized in protest of recent police violence against opposition supporters, and in retaliation for the government's alleged refusal to comply with a list of demands that had been negotiated during a round of talks which began on February 19.

Thousands have taken to the streets over the past several months to demand that President Faure Gnassingbé, who has been in power since 2005, step down. Over a dozen 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. There are currently 12 items on the agenda, including a return to the 1992 constitution and the organization of a referendum to amend this constitution.

Advice

Individuals in Togo, particularly in Lomé, are advised to avoid all public gatherings (particularly political events) due to the risk of violence and to monitor the situation.