Togo: Opposition protests in Sokodé, Bafilo, and Mango (north) Nov. 16-18 /update 9

Event

On Monday, November 13, a coalition of 14 opposition parties called for another series of anti-government protests for November 16-18 in the northern towns of Sokodé, Bafilo, and Mango. The opposition will be staging the protests despite a government statement warning that further protests in those cities, all of which have seen violent clashes between police and protesters since late August, will not be tolerated. 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 two 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, 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).