Togo: Opposition protests called for December 7

Event

On Saturday, December 2, the opposition coalition announced its willingness to take part in negotiations with the government in order to ease political tensions. However, before the negotiations begin, opposition parties have called for a nationwide protest to take place on Thursday, December 7, including in the capital Lomé, to demand appeasement measures including the release of political prisoners. An increased security presence is likely and major transportation disruptions are to be expected in affected areas. Clashes between protesters and security forces cannot be ruled out.

Context

Numerous opposition sit-ins and marches - some of which have turned violent - have been held in Lomé and other cities over the past three 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 to demand that President Faure Gnassingbé, who has been in power since 2005, step down. Demonstrators have also demanded the unconditional release of individuals 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.

In an attempt to ease the situation, the Togolese government announced, on November 6, the opening of talks with the opposition, released 42 demonstrators detained since September, and dropped arson charges against opposition leader Jean Pierre Fabre dating back to 2013.

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).