Togo: Protests likely in the coming days across Savanes Region after airstrike killed seven civilians in Tone Prefecture July 9-10 /update 1

Event

Protests are likely across the Savanes Region in the coming days after army officials confirmed July 14 that an airstrike killed seven children in the locality of Margba, Tone Prefecture, overnight July 9-10. Security forces mistook the civilians for militants after receiving what was thought to be reliable information. Likely gathering locations may include government and military buildings.

Increased security and localized traffic disruptions are likely near all related protests. Given the incident, the potential for clashes with security forces is elevated.

Context

The incident comes after officials in Togo declared a state of security emergency June 13 in the northern Savanes Region bordering Burkina Faso. The state of security emergency would reportedly facilitate better decision-making and enhance the capabilities of public services and security forces. Officials cited a string of attacks targeting security personnel in the region as the reason for the state of emergency.

Advice

Avoid all protests. Exercise a high level of personal security awareness and caution and liaise with trusted contacts before traveling in northern Togo. Heed the directives of the authorities. Travel in convoy and only during daylight hours. Maintain contact with diplomatic representations.