Togo: ECOWAS & ECCAS summit in Lomé July 30

Event

A summit of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) will be held in Lomé on Monday, July 30, to discuss ways to implement a common agenda on the fight against terrorism and extremism. Increased security measures are to be anticipated in the city during the summit.

Demonstrations denouncing ECOWAS's inability to solve Togo's ongoing political crisis may occur in the capital during the summit.

Context

The terrorist threat remains a concern in West and Central Africa countries, some of which have witnessed various attacks (Côte d'Ivoire, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Nigeria, Cameroon, and Chad). Travelers should be cautious, especially in popular tourist locations (luxury hotels, restaurants, cafés, resorts, etc.).

Furthermore, thousands of people have taken to the streets since August 2017 to demand the resignation of President Faure Gnassingbé, who has been in power since 2005. At least 16 people have been killed and around 200 wounded during the protests.

Advice

Individuals are advised to monitor the situation and avoid all potential protests as violence cannot be ruled out.