Intel Brief: Anti-government Protests in Togo

laure7549
13 minutes ago
4 min read

Date: 27/06/2025

Where?

Togo: Lomé

What happened?

On 05/05/2025, Faure Gnassingbé, previously President of the Republic, was sworn in as President of the Council of Ministers, the country’s de facto most senior role. He received the title without official term limits, enabling him to be re-elected by parliament indefinitely.
On 26/05/2025, a popular rapper and government critic, Tchala Essowè Narcisse (stage name: Aamron), was arrested after having posted a satirical video on TikTok calling for protest mobilisation ahead of Gnassingbé’s birthday on 6 June. His arrest, which was carried out without a warrant, sparked public outrage.
On 05/06/2025 and 06/06/2025, large anti-government protests erupted in Lomé following this arrest, despite a ban on protests imposed since 2022 after a deadly market attack in the city. Demonstrators denounced constitutional changes, rising electricity prices implemented at the start of May, and the arrests of dissenters. Security forces used tear gas and batons to disperse crowds, and dozens of protesters were arrested.
Some of the arrested demonstrators were released in the week following the protests, showing signs of torture or other forms of ill-treatment. This was followed by the release of Aamron from a psychiatric facility, where he was sent after his arrest.
On 16/06/2025, Togo’s regulatory High Authority for Audiovisual and Communication (HAAC) suspended Radio France Internationale (RFI) and France 24, restricting independent media coverage of the current situation in Togo. A journalist from the French public broadcaster TV5 was also reportedly detained without charge for several hours at a police station, whilst footage she had filmed at a rally during her detention was deleted.
On 26/06/2025, renewed protests emerged after protest organisation ‘Hands Of My Constitution’ called for three days of gatherings, which were quickly dispersed by soldiers after the first day. Military personnel used tear gas and batons to disperse protesters who blocked the main roads in Lomé. Videos of soldiers severely beating up protesters have emerged online. In the suburbs of the capital, some protesters were seen burning wooden furniture and tyres used for makeshift barricades. Many shops in the city remained closed as clashes continued into the afternoon.
Protesters have been demanding political reforms, an end to police brutality, including the release of all detainees from the previous protest earlier in June, and improvements in living conditions amid worsening economic hardship and rising electricity costs.

Analysis

Togo's 2024 constitutional reforms sparked more protests in the latter half of last year, following years of protest against the dynastic rule of the Gnassingbes. These reforms eliminated the direct popular vote for President of the Council of Ministers, instead granting parliament the sole power to elect the leader. Consequently, the presidential election on May 3, 2025, through which Gnassingbé secured his new role, was in effect an indirect vote by the National Assembly rather than a popular vote.
The President of the Republic, elected by parliament for a four-year term, has become a largely ceremonial figure with limited powers, following the constitutional changes. Real executive authority now lies with the President of the Council of Ministers, who leads both the government and the armed forces. This makes the President of the Council of Ministers effectively the highest power in the state’s executive branch. The role is renewable with a six-year term, dependent on parliamentary support, rather than fixed-term limits. This effectively means there are no term limits.
With Faure Gnassingbé having been in power since 2005, following his father's long rule that began in 1967, the Togolese population is unhappy about the continuation of what many perceive as an entrenched family dynasty, fearing the erosion of democratic principles and the perpetuation of authoritarian rule under the guise of constitutional reform. Demonstrators are therefore calling for Gnassingbé's resignation.
Faure Gnassingbé has pledged to strengthen democracy; however, his actions seem to confirm the opposite. The hard suppression of previous protests and the government's refusal to engage or respond to inquiries about the military actions during these protests has further fueled tensions.
Press freedom is also under attack, with the reported detention of a TV5 journalist and the three month suspension of French international broadcasters RFI and France 24 for an alleged lack of impartiality in their coverage of the protests.
The economic grievances behind the current protests in Togo are closely linked to a worsening cost-of-living crisis, with the recent hike in electricity prices acting as a key trigger. Many protesters, especially unemployed youth, express frustration over rising basic expenses that strain already precarious livelihoods
The demonstrations against the Gnassingbé family's dynastic rule are expected to persist in Lomé and potentially intensify.While the military has adhered to government directives thus far, these circumstances create a fertile ground for a future coup. The government's forceful tactics—including tear gas, arrests, and alleged detainee mistreatment—have fueled rather than suppressed dissent, especially among unemployed youth struggling with deteriorating economic conditions.

Conclusion

The constitutional reforms have deepened the political crisis in Togo by institutionalizing indefinite rule under Faure Gnassingbé, provoking sustained youth-led protests and widespread dissatisfaction. The government’s repressive tactics may suppress protests temporarily, but will likely exacerbate tensions. Although an immediate coup seems unlikely given the military’s current stance, the potential for a sudden political rupture remains if the crisis persists without reform. The situation demands close monitoring as Togo navigates a fragile transition marked by contested power and popular unrest.

For visitors, heightened vigilance is advised, especially in urban centres where protests are more likely to occur. Avoid large gatherings and demonstrations, as they can quickly turn confrontational. Stay informed on local news and government advisories, and be aware of potential disruptions to transport and services. Consider consulting with your embassy or consulate for specific safety recommendations before and during your stay.