Togo: Opposition calls off protests scheduled for May 9 and 12 /update 1

Event

The C14 political opposition coalition announced on the evening of Tuesday, May 8 (local time), that it had called off nationwide protests initially scheduled for Wednesday, May 9, and Saturday, May 12. According to an opposition spokesperson, the demonstrations were called off over concerns for the security of the protesters. Additional demonstrations are likely in the coming days and weeks. Heightened security measures and associated traffic disruptions are to be anticipated in the vicinity of any gatherings.

Context

The ongoing wave of protests come amid negotiations - ongoing since February - between the government and the opposition, during which time political protests were supposed to be suspended. According to a statement issued by opposition leaders, the demonstrations were planned 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 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.