Togo: Opposition protests planned in Lomé September 8 /update 6

Event

Opposition movement En Aucun Cas ("In No Case") has organized protests in Lomé, Afanyagan, and Amegnran on Saturday, September 8, beginning at 10:00 (local time), to demand the release of its leader Foly Satchivi who was arrested in August. In Lomé, participants are expected to gather at the Marché de Bè and Asakpame station. In Afanyagan, a demonstration will be held at Gare Routière; in Amegnran, protesters are expected to gather near the Voix de Vo radio station. A heightened security presence and localized traffic disruptions are expected near the demonstration sites. Clashes between protesters and security forces cannot be ruled out.

Context

The current wave of protests comes amid negotiations - which resumed on June 27 after a three-month suspension - between the government and the opposition. According to a statement issued by opposition leaders, the government has refused to comply with a list of demands that had already been agreed upon, including the return to the 1992 constitution as well as a referendum on constitutional amendments to reform the electoral system.

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 ongoing since mid-August 2017.

Advice

Individuals in Togo, particularly Lomé, are advised to avoid all public gatherings (especially political events) due to the risk of violence, monitor the situation, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments.