24 Oct 2017 | 09:46 PM UTC
Togo: Further protests scheduled for November 7-9 in Lomé /update 5
Opposition parties call for protests to take place November 7-9 in Lomé, in addition to nationwide events October 28-30 and November 4-5; avoid all protests
Event
On Monday morning, October 23, opposition parties announced that further protests will take place in Lomé on November 7, 8, and 9, to demand the resignation of President Faure Gnassingbé. An increased security presence is likely in the capital and further violence cannot be ruled out. Political leaders are also planning a tour of the country on October 28, 29, and 30 as well as on November 4 and 5 as part of an outreach to victims of alleged abuses carried out by soldiers and militiamen during previous protests. It remains unclear if the previously scheduled October 30-31 opposition protests will still take place.
A relative calm has returned to the capital since the violent social unrest that broke out last week, notably in the Bé district where the violence was concentrated. However, security forces remain deployed in the cities of Sokodé (center) and Bafilo (north).
Meanwhile, the Togolese government announced that the annual Conférence de la Francophonie, which was expected to be held on November 24-26 in Lomé, has been canceled. It remains unclear if the conference will be rescheduled for a later date.
Context
Numerous opposition sit-ins and marches - some of which have turned violent - have been held in Lomé and other cities over the past two months. The demonstrations have been organized by various opposition groups, including the Parti National Panafricain (PNP), the Combat pour l'Alternance Politique en 2015 (CAP 2015), and the Groupe des Six. Thousands have taken to the streets demanding President Gnassingbé, in power since 2005, step down. Demonstrators have also demanded the unconditional release of those arrested during past protests, the immediate cessation of prosecutions and violence against opposition activists and leaders, and the establishment of an independent international commission to investigate violence committed by security forces against protesters. At least 16 people have been killed and around 200 wounded in opposition protests since mid-August.
Advice
Individuals in Togo are advised to avoid all public gatherings (particularly political events) due to the risk of violence and to monitor the situation. Be prepared to shelter in place in the event of further unrest or a sudden deterioration in the country’s security situation (stock up on food, water, and other necessities).
