Togo: Opposition calls for protests November 3

Event

Leaders of the C14 opposition coalition have called on its supporters to take part in a march being organized by the Togo Debout civil society group, scheduled to take place in the capital Lomé on Saturday, November 3. Demonstrators will gather at two points, the Néo-Apostolic (Bè-Gakpoto) intersection and the Marché de Bè intersection, before converging at the Eglise des Assemblée de Dieu intersection.

An increased security presence and traffic disruptions are likely along the march routes. Clashes between supporters and security forces cannot be ruled out.

Context

The current wave of political 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 previously agreed upon demands, including a return to the 1992 constitution as well as a referendum on constitutional amendments to reform the electoral system. Furthermore, the coalition accuses the government of blocking the implementation of the ECOWAS roadmap to end the ongoing political crisis. According to the C14, the government continues to arrest opposition activists and has refused to release detainees. Opposition leaders have also claimed that the massive deployment of security forces to Sokodé and Kara has prevented their supporters from organizing political activities.

Thousands of people have taken to the streets 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 due to the risk of violence, closely monitor developments, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.