Togo’s judiciary has handed down sentences to several demonstrators arrested during late June protests demanding the resignation of President Faure Gnassingbé. The Lomé High Court over the weekend convicted the individuals for “disturbing public order,” following their participation in the unrest.
The protests, which erupted across major towns, were largely driven by calls from diaspora-based artists and influencers urging the youth to rise against political stagnation. Despite a heavy security presence, the demonstrators took to the streets, signalling growing public frustration.
The swift prosecutions have drawn criticism from human rights observers, who argue that the government’s response risks further alienating citizens and shrinking democratic space.
As tensions simmer, civil society groups are calling for dialogue and reforms to address long-standing grievances around governance, youth unemployment, and political freedom in the West African country.
