Protesters in Togo clash with security forces as calls grow for president’s resignation

Protesters in Togo clash with security forces as calls grow for president’s resignation [Alice Lawson/Reuters]

Security forces in Togo’s capital fired tear gas on Thursday to disperse hundreds of protesters demanding the resignation of President Faure Gnassingbe, amid growing outrage over constitutional changes that critics say could cement his hold on power indefinitely.

Demonstrators erected concrete block barricades in several neighbourhoods across Lome, setting tyres ablaze and hurling projectiles at riot police, who responded with tear gas canisters and arrests. The  neighbourhood — an opposition stronghold — witnessed particularly tense scenes, with police rounding up dozens of protesters.

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The unrest follows fresh calls by civil society groups and prominent social media voices for nationwide demonstrations from June 26 to 28, after authorities cracked down on earlier protests this month. A heavy security presence, including military jeeps, was deployed throughout the city on Thursday. Many shops and businesses closed their doors as tensions flared.

“We’re hungry. Nothing works for Togolese youth anymore — that’s why we’re out on the streets this morning,” said Kossi Albert, a 30-year-old unemployed man in the capital.

Government officials have not yet commented publicly on the forceful dispersal of the crowds. Hodabalo Awate, minister of territorial administration, did not respond to requests for comment on the security response.

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Gnassingbe, who has ruled the West African nation since 2005 following the death of his father Gnassingbe Eyadema, has faced mounting criticism in recent months over his controversial new role as head of the Council of Ministers — a powerful post that carries no official term limits. Opposition leaders have labelled the move a “constitutional coup” designed to prolong his two-decade grip on power.

A coalition of opposition parties and activists known as “Hands Off My Constitution” has demanded Gnassingbe’s immediate resignation, the release of around 100 political detainees, and urgent measures to ease the spiralling cost of living. In a statement posted on Facebook, the coalition called for an “unprecedented peaceful demonstration” to keep up the pressure.

Amnesty International reported that dozens of people were detained earlier this month during similar protests against the constitutional changes and a perceived crackdown on dissent. Many were later released, according to the rights group.

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Public demonstrations in Togo have been largely banned since 2022, following a deadly explosion at Lome’s main market. The ban has fuelled fears among critics that the government is using security concerns to stifle legitimate dissent.

Despite the risk of arrest, protesters say they will continue to defy the ban. “We have no jobs, no future — and now they want to rule forever?” said Albert. “We won’t accept it.”