22 Jul 2018 | 09:42 PM UTC
Togo: Ban on street protests July 23-August 1 /update 5
Government announces temporary ban on all street protests July 23-August 1 due to series of planned international meetings; unclear if previously scheduled opposition protests will go ahead
Event
The Togolese government announced a temporary ban on all street demonstrations from Monday, July 23, to Wednesday, August 1, due to a series of international meetings scheduled during that period. Events include meetings of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Economic and Monetary Community of Central African States (CEMAC). According to the Togolese Minister of Security and Civil Protection, the ban is to ensure that the work of these meetings is undisturbed.
However, the ban also coincides with a series of nationwide opposition demonstrations, which began on July 13. Two more days of demonstrations are scheduled on Saturday, July 28, and Sunday, July 29, in Lomé,and other cities, although officials have said that events being held in Tsévié, Atakpamé, and Kpalimé, are not affected by the ban. It is currently unclear whether opposition leaders plan to go ahead with the demonstrations in other cities despite the interdiction. A heightened security presence and localized traffic disruptions are expected near any gatherings that do occur, especially in Lomé. Violent clashes between security forces and protesters are possible.
Context
The current wave of protests comes amid negotiations - which resumed on June 27 after a three-month suspension - between the government and the opposition. 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 the 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 Lomé, are advised to avoid all public gatherings (especially political events) due to the risk of violence and to monitor the situation.
