Togo: Potentially violent protests in Lomé April 12-14 /update 1

Event

Security forces violently dispersed protesters in the capital Lomé, as well as in Tchamba, Bafilo, Kparatao, Anié, and Kpalimé, on Wednesday, April 11. At least 25 people were injured and five people were arrested nationwide. Hundreds of protesters took to the streets despite a ban on demonstrations, calling on the government to reinstate the 1992 constitution, among other demands.

Further associated protests are scheduled to take place on Thursday, April 12, and Saturday, April 14. A heightened security presence and localized traffic disruptions are expected near demonstrations, especially in Lomé, and violence cannot be ruled out.

Furthermore, the FCTD (Front Citoyen Togo Debout) coalition of civil society groups also plans to hold a march and rally on April 14 in Lomé. The demonstration is being organized to demand the release of imprisoned union members and raise public awareness regarding the country's current sociopolitical climate, among other reasons.

Context

These upcoming demonstrations come amid negotiations - ongoing since February - between the government and the opposition, a period of time when political protests were supposed to be suspended to facilitate the talks. According to a statement issued by opposition leaders, the demonstrations are being organized to denounce the government's alleged refusal to comply with a list of demands that had already been agreed upon, including a return to the 1992 constitution and the organization of a referendum on constitutional amendments.

Thousands of people have taken to the streets in recent months to demand that President Faure Gnassingbé, in power since 2005, step down. Over a dozen people have been killed and around 200 others wounded in opposition protests since mid-August 2017.

Advice

Individuals in Togo, particularly in Lomé, are advised to avoid all public gatherings (especially political events) due to the risk of violence and to monitor the situation.