In Togo, large-scale protests erupted in the capital city of Lome, where hundreds of people took to the streets demanding the resignation of long-serving President Faure Gnassingbe. Demonstrators blocked roads, set up concrete barricades, and burned tyres while shouting against the government's actions. In response, security forces used tear gas to disperse crowds, arrested several individuals, and deployed military jeeps as reinforcements in protest-heavy zones like the Be neighbourhood, an opposition stronghold.
The protests, which started on June 26 and were planned to last through June 28, were driven by public outrage over recent constitutional changes. These changes have the potential to allow President Gnassingbewho has ruled since 2005to remain in power indefinitely. Many opposition leaders have described this move as a “constitutional coup.” Civil society groups and online activists mobilized citizens to take to the streets despite a protest ban in place since 2022. The ban followed a deadly attack in the capital’s main market.
The demonstrations also reflect growing economic frustrations, particularly among the youth. Protesters voiced anger over unemployment, poor living conditions, and rising costs. “We’re hungry. Nothing works for Togolese youth,” said 30-year-old Kossi Albert, an unemployed protester who vowed to keep demonstrating.
Government officials, including Hodabalo Awate, Minister of Territorial Administration, have yet to publicly address the situation. Many businesses across the city closed as police presence intensified.
The recent protests in Togo are not just about economic hardshipthey also stem from deep-rooted political frustrations. President Faure Gnassingbe, in power since 2005 after the death of his father, has faced mounting criticism over constitutional changes that consolidate his control. In May, he was sworn in as President of the Council of Ministers, a new role with no term limits. This move is viewed by many as an attempt to extend his rule for life, sparking allegations of authoritarianism.
Opposition groups and civil society organizations are rallying against these developments. A coalition known as “Hands Off My Constitution” issued a strong statement demanding the immediate release of around one hundred political prisoners and called on the president to address the economic struggles facing the population. The coalition also called for “an unprecedented peaceful demonstration,” signaling that public pressure will likely continue.
Earlier in June, similar protests were met with arrests, although most of those detained were later released, according to Amnesty International. The human rights group has expressed concern over what it sees as a crackdown on dissent in Togo, especially amid a broader regional context where several West African countries are experiencing democratic backsliding, coups, and civil unrest.
Public demonstrations in Togo have been rare since 2022, when they were officially banned following a deadly attack in a Lome market. However, the scale and intensity of the latest protests show that dissatisfaction has reached a boiling point. Many young Togolese are expressing their frustration with both governance and economic stagnation, demanding urgent reforms.
As the country moves through these days of planned protest, the government faces intense scrutiny at home and abroad. It remains to be seen whether the current pressure will lead to any political concessions or further deepen the standoff between citizens and the state.
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