At least seven people have been killed and dozens injured in Togo’s capital, Lomé, following a wave of anti-government protests sparked by recent constitutional reforms that critics say entrench President Faure Gnassingbé’s hold on power.
Civic groups reported the deaths on Sunday, as videos circulated showing security forces violently dispersing protesters with tear gas and batons.
Some demonstrators were seen being severely beaten, raising alarm over human rights abuses.
The unrest was triggered by reforms that significantly shift power from the national presidency—now largely ceremonial—to the newly created position of President of the Council of Ministers, a role held by Gnassingbé since May.
The post carries no term limits and allows for indefinite re-election by parliament.
Protesters accuse the government of orchestrating a “constitutional coup” to prolong the Gnassingbé family’s decades-long rule.
Faure Gnassingbé has been in power since 2005, following the death of his father, who ruled for 38 years.
Public demonstrations, banned in Togo since 2022 after a deadly market attack, resumed last week as civil society groups and digital activists called for nationwide protests on June 26, 27, and 28.
In response, the government imposed internet restrictions, causing widespread disruption to social media access.
The political crisis has drawn regional attention as West Africa faces increasing instability, with fears mounting over democratic erosion and the rise of authoritarian governance across the region.
