Togo: Opposition protests May 9 and 12

Event

The C14 political opposition coalition has stated it will not follow the government-imposed route restrictions for its upcoming anti-government protests in Lomé, as well as in others cities, which are scheduled for Wednesday, May 9 and Saturday, May 12. The intended routes for the protests remain unknown. The government position remains that no demonstration outside its pre-approved routes will be allowed. In light of these circumstances, clashes between police and protesters are likely. Heightened security measures and associated traffic disruptions (e.g. due to roadblocks) are likely surrounding all demonstrations through May 12.

Context

Hundreds of protesters were wounded and hundreds more arrested during opposition protests in April. Many of them remain in prison as of May 9.

The ongoing wave of protests come amid negotiations - ongoing since February - between the government and the opposition, during which time political protests were supposed to be suspended. According to a statement issued by opposition leaders, the demonstrations were planned only recently to denounce the government's alleged refusal to comply with a list of demands that had already been agreed upon, including a return to the 1992 constitution and the organization of a referendum on constitutional amendments.

Thousands of people have taken to the streets in recent months to demand that President Faure Gnassingbé, in power since 2005, step down. Over a dozen people have been killed in opposition protests since mid-August 2017.

Advice

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