Condemnation of Civil Liberties Erosion in Togo Amid Political Turmoil

Urgent Appeals for Freedom of Expression and Assembly Following Increased Repression

The Deteriorating Civic Space in Togo: A Call to Action

Introduction

The civic space in Togo is shrinking rapidly, marked by the government’s repression of activists and journalists, suppression of protests, and stringent measures against online criticism. ARTICLE 19 has voiced strong concerns about these developments and emphasizes the urgent need for the Togolese authorities to respect the people’s rights to freedom of expression and assembly.

Political Context

Since the controversial constitutional reform of 2024, which switched Togo from a presidential to a parliamentary system and abolished direct presidential elections, the nation has been engulfed in a serious political crisis. This reform is widely viewed as a maneuver to extend the grip of President Faure Gnassingbé, allowing him to assume the position of President of the Council in May 2025 without a popular vote. The subsequently held legislative and regional elections were marred by irregularities and boycotts from Opposition parties, leading to widespread protests that were met with state violence.

Recent Incidents

Following these developments, a series of alarming incidents from August to October 2025 illustrate the deepening crackdowns on civil liberties:

• October 3, 2025: Human rights activist Grâce Koumayi Biyoki was arrested at her home and charged with “inciting revolt” after posting a video online. The public prosecutor threatened legal action against anyone using social media to criticize the government, aiming to stifle this crucial platform for youth mobilization.

• September 19, 2025: Rapper Aamron, known for his anti-dictatorship stance, was arrested but released the next day under judicial supervision.

• September 17, 2025: Activist Marguerite Gnakadé was detained on charges including “incitement to revolt”.

• August 30, 2025: A protest organized by the 6 June Movement against rising living costs and the constitutional reform was violently suppressed by security forces under revised restrictive laws.

• August 22, 2025: Two young activists were apprehended by plainclothes officers without clear justification, illustrating a pattern of arbitrary detentions.

Human Rights Violations

These incidents reveal a disturbing pattern of human rights violations in Togo, including arbitrary arrests, suppression of peaceful protests, and restrictions on freedom of expression. Such actions violate international obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR). Specifically, these actions contravene Articles concerning liberty, freedom of expression, and the right to peaceful assembly.

Moreover, the government’s crackdown on social media users and activists directly violates the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which underscores the importance of free expression and access to information. The excessive use of force during demonstrations and arbitrary detentions undermine fundamental human rights and the rule of law.

A Call to Action

Alfred Nkuru Bulakali, ARTICLE 19’s Regional Director, emphasizes that "Where civic space is curtailed, democracy suffocates, and fundamental rights lose their meaning." In light of this, ARTICLE 19 urges the Togolese authorities to:

• Immediately release all detained individuals for peacefully exercising their rights.
• Reform or repeal repressive laws that threaten civic freedoms.
• Uphold a civic space that is free, inclusive, and secure in adherence to international human rights standards.

Conclusion

The situation in Togo calls for immediate international attention and action. As citizens and defenders of human rights, we must stand in solidarity with those who are courageously fighting for their rights. It’s time for the international community to hold the Togolese government accountable for its actions and ensure a future where democracy, freedom, and dignity can flourish.

Contact Information

For further inquiries, please reach out to:

Maateuw Mbaye
Programme Officer / Protection & Civic Space
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +221 78 595 83 37

ARTICLE 19 West Africa Office
Landline: +221 33 869 03 22
Email: [email protected]

Together, let us advocate for a free and vibrant civic space in Togo!