Togo: Opposition protests in Lomé May 23, 24, 30, and 31 /update 2

Event

Togolese political opposition groups are planning a series of protests and marches in Lomé on Wednesday, May 23, Thursday, May 24, Wednesday, May 30, and Thursday, May 31, to demand that the country return to the 1992 constitution. According to local sources, protesters will rally in front of the Ministry of Higher Education on May 23. On May 24, protesters will organize a rally in front of the Ministry of Territorial Administration. On May 30, a protest is expected to take place in front of the National Independent Electoral Commission (CENI). Finally, on May 31, a sit-in will take place in front of the Ministry of Transports. A heightened security presence and localized traffic disruptions are expected near demonstrations and marches, especially in Lomé.

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.