Protests against Faure Gnassingbé
{{Short description|Political protests in Togo}}
{{Update|type=|date=August 2020|reason=}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2020}}
{{Infobox civil conflict
| title = Protests against Faure Gnassingbé
| image = VOA ANC Togo 29 nov 2013.jpg
| caption = Member of the National Alliance for Change protesting the government in 2013
| date = 5 February 2005 – present
| place = Togo
| coordinates =
| causes =
- Authoritarianism
- Electoral fraud
- Censorship
- Democratic backsliding
- Economic inequality
- Human rights abuses
- Corruption
- Rigged results of the 2005 Togolese presidential election
- 2012 National Assembly electoral reforms
- 2010 Togolese presidential election
| methods = Demonstrations, riots, sex strike, barricading
| status = Ongoing
| result =
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| leadfigures3 =
| howmany1 =
| casualties1 =
| casualties2 =
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| injuries =
| fatalities =
| arrests =
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}}
Protests against Faure Gnassingbé have occurred throughout Togo, starting when President Faure Gnassingbé assumed power after the death of his father Gnassingbé Eyadéma in February 2005.
Opposition protesters have called on the Togolese government to establish presidential term limits according to the 1992 constitutional referendum, and have called on Gnassingbé to resign. Opposition parties contested the results of the 2010 and 2015 presidential elections. From 2012 until the 2013 Togolese parliamentary election, opposition supporters protested certain electoral reforms believed to favour the ruling regime. Starting in August 2017, the opposition has held anti-government protests on a near-weekly basis, leading to a long-term period of domestic instability.
Background
{{See also|Politics of Togo}}
Gnassingbé Eyadéma helped lead two military coups, one in 1963 and another in 1967, in which he became the president of Togo. Opposition to Eyadéma's regime grew in the late 1980s as many people believed he was only working to benefit cronies from the army, his tribesmen, and his political allies. Inspired by anti-communist revolutions throughout Europe starting from 1989, and sparked by the trial of students for distributing anti-government material, Togolese students held demonstrations and strikes on 5 October 1990.{{cite web |url=https://2009-2017.state.gov/outofdate/bgn/togo/184458.htm |title=Togo (10/31/11) |publisher=U.S. Department of State |date=31 October 2011 |access-date=8 January 2018}} This protest marked the start of a protest movement against Eyadéma's military regime.{{cite web |last1=Komali |first1=Kossi |last2=Abdulrauf |url=http://www.icla.up.ac.za/images/country_reports/togo_country_report.pdf#page=7 |title=Introduction to the Constitution of Togo |publisher=Institute for International and Comparative Law in Africa}}
During a wave of protests against Eyadéma, the government established a curfew, and announced it on 10 April 1991, one hour after it went into force. The next day, inhabitants of Lomé found 28 bodies on the lagoon of Bè. The National Human Rights Commission determined that the Togolese Armed Forces had carried out the massacre.{{cite news |url=http://www.rfi.fr/afrique/20110416-togo-il-y-vingt-ans-tuerie-lagune-be |title=Togo: il y a vingt ans, la tuerie de la lagune de Bè |language=French |work=RFI Africa |publisher=Radio France Internationale |date=16 April 2011 |access-date=5 January 2018}}
The Togolese government held a constitutional referendum in 1992 which included a two-term presidential limit, and Togo started holding multi-party elections in 1993. In December 2002, Eyadéma removed the presidential term limits, allowing him to run indefinitely.{{cite web |last=Tchakoura |first=David |url=http://democracyinafrica.org/togos-uncertain-path-democracy/ |title=Togo's uncertain path to democracy |work=Democracy in Africa |date=31 October 2017 |access-date=8 January 2018}}
2005
{{see also|2005 Togo protests and riots}}
Eyadéma died on 5 February 2005, and the Togolese military immediately installed his son Faure Gnassingbé as president. The Army Chief of Staff, Zakari Nandja, said this was meant to avoid a power vacuum.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/4241001.stm |title=Togo succession 'coup' denounced |publisher=BBC |date=6 February 2005 |access-date=7 January 2018}} The Togolese government initially banned all protests for two months.{{cite news |last=Polgreen |first=Lydia |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/19/world/africa/togo-president-installed-by-army-agrees-to-an-election.html |title=Togo President, Installed by Army, Agrees to an Election |newspaper=The New York Times |date=19 February 2005 |access-date=7 January 2018}} However, about 1,000 people attended an anti-government rally in Lomé on 11 February 2005. The next day, about 3,000 people attended the protest. Security forces used tear gas, batons, and stun grenades on the protesters, killing at least three people and wounding dozens. The Togolese government said the security forces fired because the protesters tried to steal their weaponry.{{cite news |last=Mealer |first=Brian |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A19794-2005Feb12.html |title=Mass Protests Against Togo's President Turn Violent |newspaper=The Washington Post |agency=AP |date=13 February 2005 |access-date=7 January 2018}}
Gnassingbé lifted the government's ban on protests on 18 February and announced that there would be a presidential election in 60 days. Opposition groups called on Gnassingbé to step down and held large protests in Lomé, Aného, Sokodé and Sinkanse.{{cite web |url=https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/Massive-opposition-protest-in-Lome-Togo-75717 |title=Massive opposition protest in Lome, Togo |work=GhanaWeb |date=19 February 2005 |access-date=7 January 2018}} On 25 February, Gnassingbé, citing growing domestic and international pressure, announced he would resign as president.{{cite news |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna7032769 |title=Mounting pressure prompts Togo president to resign |publisher=NBC News |date=25 February 2005 |access-date=7 January 2018}} Opposition supporters objected to the appointment of Bonfoh Abass as interim president instead of Fambaré Ouattara Natchaba, accusing Abass of being too close to the Gnassingbé regime. Protesters threw stones at the police, who fired tear gas back at them to drive them back.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/4303123.stm|title=Togo police clash with protesters |publisher=BBC |date=27 February 2005 |access-date=8 January 2018}}
The presidential election was held on 24 April 2005, with the two frontrunners being Faure Gnassingbé and Emmanuel Bob-Akitani. Gnassingbé was declared the winner on 26 April. The Economic Community of West African States declared the results were fair, though opposition supporters heard reports of fraudulent ballot practices and vote rigging. Hundred of people rioted in the streets and clashed with the police and military.{{cite news |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna7645889 |title=Violence erupts in Togo after elections |publisher=NBC News |agency=AP |date=26 April 2005 |access-date=7 January 2018}} Young men reportedly threw Molotov cocktails at the police, and the opposition formed barriers in Bé. According to hospital sources, 11 people died and about 100 people were injured in the riot.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/4488849.stm |title=Togo's poll loser 'is president' |publisher=BBC |date=27 April 2005 |access-date=7 January 2018}} Opposition supporters broke into a police station in Aného, attacked police officers, and attempted to burn the station. The police killed nine people and injured 61.{{cite news |last=Kamber |first=Michael |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/04/29/world/africa/togo-troops-kill-9-after-attack-on-police-station.html |title=Togo Troops Kill 9 After Attack on Police Station |newspaper=The New York Times |date=29 April 2005 |access-date=7 January 2018}}
The Togolese government claimed that only 22 people died during the post-election violence. Amnesty International however reported a death toll of more than 150.{{cite web |url=http://www.refworld.org/docid/45f147ab28.html |title=Togo: The authorities' treatment of members and supporters of political opposition parties, particularly the Union of Forces for Change (Union des forces de changement, UFC), since the death of President Eyadéma and the accession to power of his son Faure Gnassingbé (2005) |website=Refworld.org |publisher=Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |date=27 October 2005 |access-date=8 January 2018}} The United Nations estimated that between 400 and 500 people were killed in electoral violence and mass riots.{{cite news |url=https://www.iol.co.za/news/africa/500-killed-in-togo-electoral-violence-un-254481 |title=500 killed in Togo electoral violence – UN |work=Independent Online |agency=AFP |date=26 September 2005 |access-date=29 December 2017}} In May 2017, around 35,000 Togolese citizens fled to Benin and Ghana, citing abductions and forced disappearances, which were believed to be politically motivated.{{cite news |url=http://www.afrol.com/articles/16446|title=Togo abductions cause new refugee stream |website=afrol.com |agency=afrol News |date=27 May 2005 |access-date=7 January 2018}}
2010–2011
{{see also|2010-2011 Togolese protests}}
Gnassingbé defeated Jean-Pierre Fabre in the 2010 Togolese presidential election held on 4 March. Fabre's supporters ignored a government ban on protests on 7 March 2010 and faced off with security forces who blocked their access to the Bè neighbourhood.{{cite web |url=http://www.liberation.fr/planete/2010/03/09/togo-face-a-face-entre-police-et-opposition-a-lome_614127 |title=Togo: face-à-face entre police et opposition à Lomé |language=French |work=Libération |agency=AFP |date=9 March 2010 |access-date=5 January 2018}} Opposition supporters held a demonstration on 9 March 2010. Those who resisted the security forces were sprayed with tear gas. Some demonstrators threw stones at the police and burned cars.{{cite news |url=http://observers.france24.com/fr/20100309-violences-apres-interdiction-marche-opposition-lome-togo-ufc-fabre |title=Violences après l'interdiction de la marche d'opposition à Lomé |language=French |work=Les Observateurs |publisher=France 24 |date=9 March 2010 |access-date=5 January 2018}}
On 12 February 2011, about 15,000 opposition protesters marched through Lomé and called for the resignation of Gnassingbé's administration and the holding of free and fair elections. Claude Améganvi of the Workers' Party said the march was also in support of the Egyptian revolution of 2011 as part of the wider Arab Spring in Northern Africa.{{cite news |url=http://www.togoactualite.com/marche-de-protestation-du-frac-de-samedi-les-manifestants-demandent-la-demission-de-faure-gnassingbe/ |title=Marche de protestation du FRAC de samedi : Les manifestants demandent la démission de Faure Gnassingbé |work=Togo Actualité |language=French |date=15 February 2011 |access-date=5 January 2018}} On 17 March 2011, security forces fired tear gas and rubber bullets on protesters in Lomé, who threw stones at them and burned tires.{{cite news |last=Kaglan |first=Erick |url=http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/03/17/togo.protest.clash/index.html |title=Togolese security forces clash with opposition militants |publisher=CNN |date=17 March 2011 |access-date=5 January 2018}}
2012–2013
{{see also|2012–2013 Togolese protests}}
In early June 2012, the Togolese parliament amended the country's electoral code. The opposition criticised these changes, saying they favoured the ruling party.{{cite news |url=http://www.cnn.com/2012/06/12/togo-demonstrations/index.html |title=Togo security forces clash with opposition over electoral law |publisher=CNN |date=13 June 2012 |access-date=2 January 2018}} Thousands of protesters gathered in Lomé on 12–14 June 2012, forcing the city's main market to close. Protesters threw stones and vandalized buildings, and police fired tear gas at them. At least 27 people, including policemen and protesters, were injured during the protests.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-18439872 |title=Togo rocked by reform protests |publisher=BBC |date=14 June 2012 |access-date=2 January 2018}}
Hundreds of supporters of the Let's Save Togo campaign protested against the Togolese government on 5 July 2012 in front of the French embassy in Lomé. The police fired tear gas on the protesters again, forcing them to disperse.{{cite news |url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2012/07/20127614952985252.html |title=Police fire tear gas at 'Save Togo' protest |publisher=Al Jazeera |date=5 July 2012 |access-date=2 January 2018}} The opposition held protests on 21–23 August 2012. On the first day, protesters planned to march from Bé to the commercial area Deckon, an area the government prohibited protesters from entering. Togolese authorities fired tear gas on the protesters ten minutes after it started.{{cite news |url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2012/08/201282115275468353.html |title=Togo police disperse fair vote rally |publisher=Al Jazeera |date=21 August 2012 |access-date=2 January 2018}} According to Let's Save Togo, more than 100 people were injured, and more than 125 people were arrested during the rallies. Thousands of opposition supporters participated in peaceful protests on 24–25 August 2012.{{cite news |url=https://www.modernghana.com/news/413625/thousands-march-against-togolese-government.html |title=Thousands march against Togolese government |work=Modern Ghana |date=25 August 2012 |agency=AFP |access-date=2 January 2018}}
File:Butty interview with Ameganvi.ogg discussing the sex strike with a Voice of America journalist.]]
Thousands of people attended a Let's Save Togo rally in Lomé on 26 August 2012 which encouraged Togolese women to participate in a week-long sex strike to galvanize men ito participation in the opposition movement against Gnassingbé.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-19389625 |title=Togo women call sex strike against President Gnassingbé |publisher=BBC |date=27 August 2012 |access-date=23 October 2016}} Opposition leader Isabelle Ameganvi said this was inspired by the 2003 sex strike of Liberian women led by Ellen Johnson Sirleaf which pushed for peace during the Second Liberian Civil War against Charles Taylor.{{cite news |last=Kaglan |first=Erick |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2012/08/26/world/africa/togo-sex-strike/index.html |title=Togo opposition vows sex strike amid anti-government protests |publisher=CNN |date=26 August 2012 |access-date=23 October 2016}} Protesters gathered in Bé on 28 August 2012 and prepared to march against the government. Before they could start marching, Togolese security forces fired tear gas on them.{{cite news |url=https://www.modernghana.com/news/414130/togo-authorities-fire-tear-gas-at-latest-protest.html |title=Togo authorities fire tear gas at latest protest |work=Modern Ghana |agency=AFP |date=28 August 2012 |access-date=2 January 2018}} The opposition held organized sit-ins, and the security forces fired tear gas on them on 6 September 2012.{{cite news |last=Zodzi |first=John |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-togo-protests/togo-blocks-internet-as-protesters-march-for-second-day-idUSKCN1BI1UT |title=Togo forces fire tear gas to disperse Gnassingbe opponents |publisher=Reuters |date=7 September 2017 |access-date=3 January 2018}}
In response to these protests, the government passed another electoral reform in September 2012. Opposition groups boycotted the talks because they believed the proposed term limits would allow Gnassingbé to potentially stay in office until at least 2025.{{cite news |url=https://www.modernghana.com/news/417627/togo-opposition-rejects-governments-electoral-reform-plans.html |title=Togo opposition rejects government's electoral reform plans |work=Modern Ghana |agency=AFP |date=14 September 2012 |access-date=2 January 2018}} On 15 September 2012, a mob armed with sticks and machetes entered an area where opposition supporters planned to protest. The mob prevented the opposition protest from proceeding and prevented journalists from taking photographs. Several ambassadors from Western countries expressed "deep concern" over the mob violence.{{cite news |url=https://www.expatica.com/fr/news/country-news/Western-nations-UN-concerned-after-mob-prevents-Togo-demo_355722.html |title=Western nations, UN concerned after mob prevents Togo demo |work=Expatica |agency=AFP |date=19 September 2012 |access-date=2 January 2018}}
Thousands of women wearing red participated in a peaceful march organised by Let's Save Togo on 20 September 2012.{{cite news |url=http://www.nation.co.ke/news/africa/Several-thousand-women-protest-in-Togos-capital-/1066-1513352-np4bpm/index.html |title=Several thousand women protest in Togo's capital |work=Daily Nation |agency=AFP |date=21 September 2012 |access-date=2 January 2018}} The colour red was chosen to protest the precarious economic situation of women in Togo, as Togolese women traditionally made and sold red garments at the country's markets.{{cite web |url=http://www.slateafrique.com/100835/togo-femmes-tete-contestation-politique |title=La colère rouge des femmes togolaises |date=2 May 2013 |work=Slate Afrique |language=French |access-date=2 January 2018}} Let's Save Togo held an opposition rally on 5 October 2012, the anniversary of the 1990 demonstration against Eyadéma. Security forces fired tear gas on them, injuring several people.{{cite news |url=http://www.nation.co.ke/news/africa/Togo-security-forces-fire-teargas-on-opposition-protesters-/1066-1526128-94vuucz/index.html |title=Togo security forces fire teargas on opposition protesters |work=Daily Nation |agency=AFP |date=5 October 2012 |access-date=3 January 2018}}
At an opposition protest in Lomé on 10 January 2013, several journalists were reportedly targeted during the protests, and at least four of them were injured.{{cite web |url=https://cpj.org/2013/01/in-togo-protests-journalists-report-being-targeted.php |title=In Togo protests, journalists report being targeted by police |website=CPJ.org |publisher=Committee to Protect Journalists |date=14 January 2013 |access-date=31 December 2017}} In late February 2013, three opposition supporters were charged with involvement in the fires that destroyed two Togolese markets in January 2013.{{cite news |url=https://www.modernghana.com/news/448768/25/togo-charges-opposition-figures-over-market-fire.html |title=Togo charges opposition figures over market fire |work=Modern Ghana |agency=AFP |date=27 February 2013 |access-date=3 January 2018}} On 12 March 2013, while Jean-Pierre Fabre was being questioned in Lomé, hundreds of his supporters tried to block the building's entrance. The police fired tear gas on them as the protesters threw stones.{{cite news |last=Ekoue |first=Blame |url=https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/2171123 |title=Police fire tear gas at protesters in Togo |work=Taiwan News |date=13 March 2013 |agency=AP |access-date=2 January 2018}}
On 14–17 March 2013, Togolese journalists held sit-ins to protest recently adopted media regulations which gave the government authority to shut down news outlets.{{cite news |url=http://www.rfi.fr/afrique/20130315-togo-sit-protestation-younglove-egbeboua-amavi |title=Au Togo, un sit-in de protestation de journalistes violemment réprimé |language=French |publisher=Radio France Internationale |date=15 March 2013 |access-date=3 January 2018}} On the first and last day of these protests, police fired tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the crowd.{{cite web |url=http://www.africareview.com/news/Togo-police-battle-protesting-journalists/979180-1720360-nsuwfiz/index.html |title=Togo police battle protesting journalists |work=Africa Review |agency=AFP |date=14 March 2013 |access-date=4 January 2018}}{{cite web |url=https://cpj.org/2013/03/in-togo-police-attack-journalists-protesting-media.php |title=In Togo, police attack journalists protesting media law |website=CPJ.org |publisher=Committee to Protect Journalists |access-date=3 January 2018}} Gnassingbé requested the amendments go through a constitutional review, and Togo's Constitutional Court declared them unconstitutional on 20 March 2013.{{cite web |url=https://cpj.org/2013/03/in-togo-court-rejects-repressive-press-law-amendme.php |title=In Togo, court rejects repressive press law amendments |publisher=Committee to Protect Journalists |website=CPJ.org |date=21 March 2013 |access-date=3 January 2018}}
In April 2013, Togolese teachers went on strike to call for higher wages, and students protested in support of their teachers. The government temporarily closed its primary and secondary schools, citing property damage from the student protests. Two students were killed as a result of police efforts to disperse protests on 15 April in Dapaong.{{cite news |last=Kouton |first=Emile |url=https://www.modernghana.com/news/458672/togo-police-kill-12-year-old-boy-during-crackdown.html |title=Togo police kill 12-year-old boy during crackdown |work=Modern Ghana |date=15 April 2013 |access-date=4 January 2018}}{{cite web |url=http://www.fiacat.org/press-release-excessive-use-of-force-and-intimidation-in-togo|title=[Press Release] Excessive use of force and intimidation in Togo |publisher=FIACAT |date=19 April 2013 |access-date=4 January 2018}} The government re-opened its schools on 22 April, though many teachers continued their strike and told their students to return home.{{cite news |url=https://www.capitalfm.co.ke/news/2013/04/togo-teachers-boycott-classes-after-deadly-protests/ |title=Togo teachers boycott classes after deadly protests |work=Capital News |agency=AFP |date=23 April 2013 |access-date=4 January 2018}}
Étienne Yakanou, one of the opposition leaders detained in connection to the Lomé market fire, died on 10 May 2013. According to the government he died from malaria. The National Alliance for Change (ANC) accused the Togolese government of committing a "political assassination" by deliberately withholding treatment from Yakanou,{{cite news |url=http://www.rfi.fr/afrique/20130512-sauvons-le-togo-militant-victime-polemique |title=Sauvons le Togo: polémique sur la mort d'un militant |publisher=Radio France Internationale |language=French |date=12 May 2013 |access-date=4 January 2018}} and Amnesty International called for an investigation into his death.{{cite web |url=http://www.anctogo.com/medias/images/contenu/afr570022013eng1.pdf |title=Togo: Excessive use of force and death in custody |publisher=Amnesty International |date=15 May 2013 |access-date=5 January 2018}} On 18 May 2013, a group of women from Let's Save Togo participated in topless protests inspired by the Ukrainian feminist organization FEMEN.{{cite news |last=Kibangula |first=Trésor |url=http://www.jeuneafrique.com/170716/politique/togo-des-femmes-s-inspirent-des-femen-pour-d-noncer-le-d-c-s-d-un-opposant/ |title=Togo : des femmes s'inspirent des Femen pour dénoncer le décès d'un opposant |language=French |work=Jeune Afrique |date=20 May 2013 |access-date=4 January 2018}}
The opposition protests delayed the parliamentary election,
which were originally scheduled for October 2012, to 25 July 2013.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-23408183 |title=Q&A: Togo's parliamentary election |date=24 July 2013 |publisher=BBC |access-date=5 January 2018}} Gnassingbé's party won the majority of seats in the election, and the opposition declared that the results were fraudulent.{{cite news |last=Stein |first=Chris |url=https://www.csmonitor.com/World/Africa/2013/0802/Family-dynasty-in-Togo-tightens-its-grip-with-another-election-win |title=Family dynasty in Togo tightens its grip with another election win |work=Christian Science Monitor |date=2 August 2013 |access-date=5 January 2018}}
2014–2016
Anti-government protesters marched through Lomé on 21 November 2014, while government supporters held a counter-protest on the beach. Agence France-Presse reported that protesters broke the law by marching near the country's parliament.{{cite news |url=https://www.modernghana.com/news/412666/togo-police-fire-teargas-at-opposition-protesters.html |title=Togo police fire teargas at opposition protesters |newspaper=Modern Ghana|agency=AFP |date=21 November 2014}} Reuters reported that some protesters threw stones at security forces, who fired tear gas on them. Two opposition supporters were injured during the clashes.{{cite news |last=Zodzi |first=John |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-togo-politics-protests/togo-opposition-marchers-clash-with-security-forces-idUSKCN0J51YI20141121 |title=Togo opposition marchers clash with security forces |date=21 November 2014 |publisher=Reuters |access-date=31 December 2017}} Thousands of Togolese continued protesting on 28 November 2014.{{cite news |url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2014/11/street-protesters-togo-demand-term-limits-20141128223244578824.html |title=Street protesters in Togo demand term limits |publisher=Al Jazeera |date=28 November 2014 |access-date=31 December 2017}}
Gnassingbé won the country's April 2015 presidential election, scoring over 59% of the vote. The United Nations approved of how the election was conducted, but the main opposition party considered these results fraudulent as the ruling regime was actively suppressing their activities. Thousands of people marched through Lomé on 16 May 2015 to protest these election results.{{cite news |url=https://www.news24.com/Africa/News/1000s-protest-Togo-presidential-election-results-20150516 |title=1000s protest Togo presidential election results |work=News24 |agency=AFP |date=16 May 2017 |access-date=31 December 2017}} Opposition parties held demonstrations on 21 May 2016 in Lomé calling for meaningful and proportional electoral reform under the Global Political Agreement of 2007 to introduce term limits.{{cite news |last=Woussou |first=Kossi |url=http://mgafrica.com/article/2016-05-22-togo-opposition-parties-demonstrate-for-reforms-as-gnassingbe-promises-first-local-elections-in-30-years |title=Togo opposition parties demonstrate for reforms, as Gnassingbe promises first local elections in 30 years |work=Mail & Guardian |date=22 May 2016 |access-date=31 December 2017}}
2017–2018
{{Main|2017–2018 Togolese protests}}
File:Protesters trying to fight the police, Lomé, Togo, 19 August 2017.jpg
File:Protest of Togolese in Luxembourg City, October 2017.jpg...]]
File:Protest against Faure Gnassingbe in Belgium.jpg on 7 October 2017.]]
On 19 August 2017, thousands of protesters took to the streets, mostly in the city of Sokodé.{{cite news |last=Nabourema |first=Farida |url=http://africanarguments.org/2017/08/25/50-years-of-hurt-togo-protesters-vow-to-continue/ |title=50 years of hurt: Togo protesters vow to continue |work=African Arguments |date=25 August 2017 |access-date=26 December 2017}} Protests also occurred in Lomé, Bafilo, Anié, and Kara.{{cite web |url=https://www.thedailyvox.co.za/togo-protests-broken/ |title=Togo protests: Why have they erupted? |work=The Daily Vox |date=21 August 2017 |access-date=26 December 2017}} Security forces shot and killed two civilians while dispersing protesters. Other civilians burned security vehicles and killed seven members of the security force.{{cite news |last1=Kanyi |first1=A.B. Kafui |last2=Abodoli |first2=Dominic |url=http://www.ghananewsagency.org/politics/political-protest-in-togo-claims-nine-lives-121246 |title=Political protest in Togo claims nine lives |work=Ghana News Agency |agency=GNA |access-date=26 December 2017}} About 27 people were arrested, and 15 protesters identified as supporters of the Pan African National Party were given jail sentences of 5–9 months.{{cite news |url=http://www.pulse.com.gh/news/world/togo-15-anti-government-protesters-jailed-id7234663.html |title=15 anti-government protesters jailed |date=31 August 2017 |work=Pulse |access-date=27 December 2017}} Opposition parties called for a general strike to take place on 25 August, which slowed business and caused Lomé to enter a security lockdown. Togolese minister Gilbert Bawara criticised the strike, calling it "the campaign of terror, intimidation and threats".{{cite news |url=https://news.yahoo.com/togos-capital-tense-opposition-call-stay-home-171036388.html|first=Emile|last=Kouton |title=Togo's capital tense after opposition call to stay home |newspaper=Yahoo! News |agency=AFP |date=25 August 2017}}
On 5 September 2017, in an effort to counter scheduled protests, the Toglose government cut off the internet nationwide, blocked the use of WhatsApp, and filtered international calls.{{cite news |last=Mtshali |first=Khanya |url=https://qz.com/1070753/togo-shuts-down-internet-to-counter-anti-faure-gnassingbe-protests/ |title=Togo has shut down the internet to counter anti-government protests |work=Quartz Africa |date=7 September 2017 |access-date=10 January 2018}}{{cite news |last=Koutonin |first=Mawuna |url=https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2017/sep/21/no-business-no-boozing-no-casual-sex-when-togo-turned-off-the-internet |title=No business, no boozing, no casual sex: when Togo turned off the internet |work=The Guardian |date=21 September 2017 |access-date=23 December 2017}} Despite this, opposition parties started a large three-day protest in Lomé. Amnesty International estimated that about 100,000 people participated in a protest on 6 September 2017. At least 80 protesters were arrested the next day,{{cite news |last=Akwei |first=Ismali |url=http://www.africanews.com/2017/09/09/at-least-80-arrested-after-togo-s-latest-anti-government-protests/ |title=At least 80 arrested after Togo's latest anti-government protests |date=9 September 2017 |work=Africanews |access-date=23 December 2017}} and security forces in Lomé fired tear gas to disperse protesters.{{cite news |last=Zodzi |first=John |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-togo-protests/togo-blocks-internet-as-protesters-march-for-second-day-idUSKCN1BI1UT |title=Togo forces fire tear gas to disperse Gnassingbe opponents |publisher=Reuters |date=7 September 2017 |access-date=26 December 2017}} Normal access to the internet was restored on 11 September.{{cite news |url=http://read.unitednews.international/2017/09/12/internet-restored-togo-protests/ |title=Internet Restored After Togo Protests |date=12 September 2017 |work=United News International |access-date=23 December 2017 |archive-date=8 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180108233332/http://read.unitednews.international/2017/09/12/internet-restored-togo-protests/ |url-status=dead }}{{cite news |url=http://www.africareview.com/news/Second-day-of-mass-protests-in-Togo/979180-4086610-7hfg64z/index.html |title=Second day of mass protests in Togo |work=Africa Review |agency=AFP |date=7 September 2017 |access-date=23 December 2017}}
On 18 September 2017, the opposition boycotted the National Assembly's vote on a bill that would introduce term limits, saying it would allow making it subject to a referendum.{{cite news |url=https://www.news24.com/Africa/News/togos-opposition-boycotts-constitutional-reform-vote-20170919 |title=Togo's opposition boycotts constitutional reform vote |work=News24 |date=19 September 2017 |access-date=31 December 2017}} The next day, the Togolese government slowed down the country's internet as the opposition prepared for more protests.{{cite news |last=Akwei |first=Ismail |url=http://www.africanews.com/2017/09/20/internet-slowdown-in-togo-ahead-of-another-presidential-limits-protest/|title=Internet slowdown in Togo ahead of another presidential limits protest |work=Africanews |date=9 September 2017 |access-date=30 December 2017}} According to Amnesty International, security forces used batons, bullets, and tear gas against protesters in Mango, killing a 9-year-old boy.{{cite news |last1=Zodzi |first1=John |last2=Wilkins |first2=Henry |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-togo-protests/togo-security-forces-clash-with-protesters-in-north-killing-boy-idUSKCN1BV31E |title=Togo security forces clash with protesters in north, boy killed |publisher=Reuters |date=20 September 2017 |access-date=31 December 2017}} Security minister Damehane Yark blamed the opposition for the boy's death, saying the protesters were using weapons.{{cite news |last=Akwei |first=Ismail |url=http://www.africanews.com/2017/09/21/10-year-old-boy-killed-in-renewed-togo-protest-govt-blames-opposition |title=10-year-old boy killed in renewed Togo protest, govt blames opposition |work=Africanews |date=21 September 2017 |access-date=30 December 2017}} The next day, opposition leaders blamed the government for violently repressing protests in Northern Togo, and thousands of Togolese participated in anti-government demonstrations.{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.ug/thousands-join-fresh-protests-togo-amid-crackdown/ |title=Thousands join fresh protests in Togo amid 'crackdown' |work=The Independent |agency=AFP |date=23 September 2017 |access-date=31 December 2017}}
On 4 and 5 October 2017, thousands of protesters marched through Lomé and some created barricades. In response, the Togolese government shut down internet communication and mobile access to the internet.{{cite news |url=https://www.news24.com/Africa/News/thousands-march-on-second-day-of-togo-protests-20171005 |title=Thousands march on second day of Togo protests |work=News24 |agency=AFP |date=5 October 2017 |access-date=25 December 2017}}{{cite news |url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/10/people-protesting-togo-171004103544908.html |title=Why are people protesting in Togo? |publisher=Al Jazeera |date=5 October 2017 |access-date=25 December 2017}} The Togolese government announced a ban on weekday protests on 10 October, though opposition parties vowed to defy this ban.{{cite news |last=Shaban |first=Abdur Rahman Alfa |url=http://www.africanews.com/2017/10/11/togo-bans-weekday-protests-as-opposition-vows-anti-ecowas-march/ |title=Togo bans weekday protests as opposition vows anti-ECOWAS march |work=Africanews |agency=AFP |date=11 October 2017 |access-date=25 December 2017}} Alpha Alassane, an imam affiliated with the opposition movement, was arrested in Sokodé on 16 October 2017, fueling tensions between the Togolese government and the opposition.{{cite news |url=http://www.arabnews.com/node/1178896/world |title=Violent clashes in northern Togo after imam arrested |date=17 October 2017 |work=Arab News |agency=AFP |access-date=25 December 2017}} A two-day protests started on 18 October throughout Togo. On the first day, four people—one in Lomé and three in Sokodé—were reportedly killed during clashes between protesters and security forces.{{cite news |url=http://www.dw.com/en/deadly-protests-in-togo-against-president-faure-gnassingbes-continued-rule/a-41022973 |title=Deadly protests in Togo against President Faure Gnassingbe's continued rule |publisher=Deutsche Welle |date=18 October 2017 |access-date=10 December 2017}}{{cite news |url=http://allafrica.com/stories/201710190141.html |title=Togo: Four Killed During Protests Against Gnassingbé |date=19 October 2017 |access-date=25 December 2017 |work=AllAfrica |agency=RFI}} Togo's security minister denied the reported deaths, saying that nobody was killed in Sokodé on this day.{{cite news |url=http://www.france24.com/en/20171020-togo-deny-deaths-protests-clashes-ecowas-president-gnassingbe |title=Togo officials deny reports of deaths in new anti-regime protests |work=France 24 |date=20 October 2017 |agency=AFP |access-date=10 December 2017}} Some protesters in Lomé formed barricades, and police fired tear gas to disperse them.{{cite news |last=Woussou |first=Kossi |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-10-18/togo-police-fire-teargas-as-opposition-vow-to-resume-protests |title=Togo Police Fire Teargas as Opposition Vows to Press Protests |date=18 October 2017 |work=Bloomberg |access-date=31 December 2017}}
The Togolese government lifted its ban on weekday protests on 4 November 2017.{{cite news |url=https://www.trtworld.com/africa/protest-ban-scrapped-in-togo-11942 |title=Protest ban scrapped in Togo |publisher=TRT World |date=4 November 2017 |access-date=10 December 2017}} On 7 November the Togolese government released 42 of the protesters who were arrested in September and dropped arson charges against opposition leader Jean-Pierre Fabre.{{cite news |last=Akwei |first=Ismail |url=http://www.africanews.com/2017/11/07/togo-releases-42-detained-protesters-drops-2013-case-against-opposition-leader/ |title=Togo releases 42 detained protesters, drops 2013 case against opposition leader |work=Africanews |date=7 November 2017 |access-date=29 December 2017}} Thousands of protesters participated in three protests during this week, with the last one on 10 November.{{cite news |url=https://www.enca.com/africa/opposition-march-again-in-togo-over-political-reform |title=Opposition march again in Togo over political reform |publisher=eNCA |agency=AFP |access-date=30 December 2017}}{{cite news |url=http://www.france24.com/en/20171110-togo-protests-continue-amid-stalemate-concerns |title=Togo anti-government protesters vow to continue push for term limits |work=France 24 |agency=AFP |date=10 November 2017 |access-date=30 December 2017}}
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) held its 2017 summit on 16 December in Abuja, Nigeria instead of in Togo, likely because of political tension between the government and opposition.{{cite news |url=https://en.yabiladi.com/articles/details/59628/togo-gives-hosting-ecowas-summit.html |title=Togo gives up hosting the ECOWAS summit set to announce Morocco's accession |work=Yabiladi |date=24 November 2017 |access-date=29 December 2017}} Around the time of this summit, thousands of protesters held anti-government marches.{{cite news |url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2017/12/protests-togo-president-chairs-ecowas-summit/ |title=More protests in Togo as president chairs ECOWAS summit |work=Vanguard |date=16 December 2017 |access-date=29 December 2017}} Tens of thousands of opposition supporters protested peacefully in Lomé on 31 December.{{cite news |url=https://www.thepeninsulaqatar.com/article/31/12/2017/Thousands-gather-in-Togo-to-protest-president |title=Thousands gather in Togo to protest president |newspaper=The Peninsula |date=31 December 2017 |access-date=3 January 2018}} Thousands of people in Togo participated in anti-government protests and counter-protests on 13 January 2018, the 55th anniversary of President Sylvanus Olympio's assassination.{{cite news |url=https://www.enca.com/africa/opposition-and-ruling-party-supporters-march-in-togo |title=Anti government protest hits Togo |work=ENCA |agency=AFP |date=14 January 2018 |access-date=17 January 2018}}{{cite news |last=Wong |first=Dwayne |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/the-togolese-people-protest-on-the-anniversary-of-sylvanus_us_5a5a67b7e4b003efadb6ae5e |title=The Togolese People Protest on the Anniversary of Sylvanus Olympio's Assassination |work=HuffPost |date=13 January 2018 |access-date=17 January 2018}} On 20 January 2018, the opposition held an anti-government demonstration in Lomé which coincided with the 2018 Women's March, where thousands of Togolese women mostly dressed in black marched through Lomé.{{cite news |last=Akwei |first=Ismail |url=https://face2faceafrica.com/article/womens-march-also-held-togo-different-dictator |title=Women's March was also held in Togo – but against a different dictator |work=Face2Face Africa |date=21 January 2018 |access-date=22 January 2018}}{{cite news |url=https://www.news24.com/Africa/News/thousands-of-women-in-anti-president-protest-in-togo-20180121 |title=Thousands of women in anti-president protest in Togo |work=News24 |agency=AFP |date=21 January 2018 |access-date=22 January 2018}}
Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo and Guinean President Alpha Condé started mediating talks between the Togolese government and opposition on 19 February 2018 in Lomé.{{cite news |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/world/2018/feb/19/talks-open-in-togo-between-government-and-opposition-1775854.html |title=Talks open in Togo between government and opposition |work=The New Indian Express |agency=AFP |date=19 February 2018 |access-date=16 March 2018}} The next day, Ghanaian mediators announced that the Togolese government would release 45 of the 92 people imprisoned for participating in the protests.{{cite news |url=http://www.republicoftogo.com/Toutes-les-rubriques/In-English/Demonstrations-suspended-45-detainees-released |title=Demonstrations suspended, 45 detainees released |work=République Togolaise |date=20 February 2018 |access-date=16 March 2018}} On 6 March, Togo's opposition coalition announced it would resume protests, despite the previous agreement to suspend protests while government talks were underway.{{cite news |url=https://www.news24.com/Africa/News/togo-opposition-announces-resumption-of-protest-demos-20180306 |title=Togo opposition announces resumption of protest demos |work=news24 |agency=AFP |date=6 March 2018 |access-date=16 March 2018}} A couple days later these protests stopped upon Akufo-Addo's request.{{cite news |title=Togo opposition suspends protests at Ghana request |url=https://www.independent.co.ug/togo-opposition-suspends-protests-at-ghana-request/ |work=The Independent Uganda |agency=AFP |date=10 March 2018 |access-date=16 March 2018}} On the 11th, 12th, and 14 April 2018, the opposition held street protests and Togolese security forces tried to repress them; leading to about 25 injuries and one death.{{cite web |url=http://www.mfwa.org/country-highlights/one-person-killed-as-togolese-opposition-resume-protests-amidst-another-crackdown/ |title=One Person Killed as Togolese Opposition Resume Protests Amidst Another Crackdown |publisher=Media Foundation for West Africa |date=19 April 2018 |access-date=3 September 2018}} The opposition coalition parties called off planned street protests on 8 May 2018, citing a lack of security for the demonstrators and progress toward their goals.{{cite news |last=Muisyo |first=Victor |url=http://www.africanews.com/2018/05/09/togo-opposition-coalition-calls-off-planned-protest/ |title=Togo: opposition coalition calls off planned protest |work=Africanews |date=9 May 2018 |access-date=3 September 2018}}
See also
References
{{reflist}}
External links
{{Commons category|Demonstrations and protests in Togo}}
- {{cite web |url=https://www.amnesty.org/en/documents/afr57/012/2005/en/ |title=Togo: Will history repeat itself? |publisher=Amnesty International |date=19 July 2005}}
- {{cite web |url=https://nvdatabase.swarthmore.edu/content/togolese-protesters-march-hold-sex-strikes-democracy-2012-2013 |title=Togolese protesters march, hold sex strikes for democracy 2012–2013 |work=Global Nonviolent Action Database |date=23 March 2014}}
- {{cite news |last=Bearak |first=Max |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2017/09/13/one-family-has-ruled-togo-for-50-years-huge-protests-are-shaking-their-grip-on-power/ |title=One family has ruled Togo for 50 years. Huge protests are shaking its grip on power |date=10 September 2017 |newspaper=The Washington Post}}