Togo: Opposition party calls for protests April 13

Event

The opposition Panafrican National Party (PNP) has called for nationwide protests on Saturday, April 13. However, officials have issued a directive restricting the protests to three of the ten localities initially mentioned by PNP leaders; as such protests are expected to take place in Togblékopé, Sokodé and Afagnangan. Nevertheless, protests may also occur in localities in which demonstration activities were restricted. A heightened security presence and localized transportation disruptions are to be expected. Clashes between security forces and protesters cannot be ruled out.

Context

Political tensions remain high in Togo. Opposition leaders maintain that the government must 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 road map outlined by the regional organization ECOWAS to end the ongoing political crisis. According to the opposition, the government continues to arrest opposition activists and has refused to release detainees.

Advice

Individuals in Togo are advised to monitor local media, avoid all demonstrations due to the risk of violence, and refrain from discussing domestic political issues in public.