Togo: Nationwide general strike December 4 /update 3

Event

The C14 opposition coalition is calling for a nationwide "Togo mort" protest (general strike) to take place on Tuesday, December 4. The strike is being held to denounce legislative elections scheduled for December 20, which the C24 claims will be "fraudulent," saying it will attempt to prevent voting from taking place. On December 1, supporters of the coalition held protests throughout the country, notably in the capital Lomé, where clashes between supporters and security forces were reported.

A protest was initially scheduled to take place on Tuesday but has been banned by local authorities, leading to calls for the general strike.

Significant disruptions are likely. Clashes between supporters and security forces cannot be ruled out.

Context

The official campaign period will run from December 4 through December 18. On a related note, a referendum on institutional and constitutional changes, as well as local elections, will be held on December 16.

Over a dozen people have been killed in opposition protests ongoing since mid-August 2017 to demand that President Faure Gnassingbé, in power since 2005, step down.

The current wave of political 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 previously agreed upon demands, including a return to the 1992 constitution as well as a referendum on constitutional amendments to reform the electoral system. Furthermore, the coalition accuses the government of blocking the implementation of a roadmap outlined by the regional organization ECOWAS to end the ongoing political crisis. According to the C14, the government continues to arrest opposition activists and has refused to release detainees. 

Advice

Individuals in Togo, particularly Lomé, are advised to avoid all public gatherings due to the risk of violence, closely monitor developments, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.