Togo: Nationwide opposition protests June 6, 7, and 9

Event

Togolese political opposition groups are planning a series of nationwide protests and marches set to take place on Wednesday, June 6, Thursday, June 7, and Saturday, June 9, to demand the country reinstate the 1992 constitution. The largest demonstrations will be held in the capital Lomé. As of June 5, the planned times and locations of the demonstrations remain unknown. A heightened security presence and localized traffic disruptions are expected near any gatherings, especially in Lomé. Violent clashes between security forces and protesters are possible.

Context

The ongoing wave of protests comes amid negotiations - ongoing since February - between the government and the opposition, during which time political protests were supposed to be suspended. The negotiations quickly fell apart, however, as protests persisted but are expected to resume in the near future.

According to a statement issued by opposition leaders, the government has refused to comply with a list of demands that had already been agreed upon, including a return to the 1992 constitution as well as 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 ongoing 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.