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Rights Groups Document Seven Protester Deaths in Lomé, Government Blames Drownings

International rights groups say the heavy-handed crackdown points to democratic backsliding under President Gnassingbe’s new unrestricted powers

A makeshift barricade burns during a protest against Togo's longtime leader, Faure Gnassingbe, in Lome, Togo June 26, 2025.REUTERS/ Alice Lawson
People protest against Togo's longtime leader, Faure Gnassingbe, in Lome, Togo June 26, 2025.REUTERS/ Alice Lawson
Smoke rises from a makeshit barricade blocking a road as people protest against Togo's longtime leader, Faure Gnassingbe, in Lome, Togo June 26, 2025.REUTERS/ Alice Lawson
Makeshift barricades burn as people protest against Togo's longtime leader, Faure Gnassingbe, in Lome, Togo June 26, 2025.REUTERS/ Alice Lawson

Overview

  • Protesters took to Lomé’s streets between June 26 and 28 to demand President Gnassingbe’s resignation over rising living costs and constitutional reforms that eliminate presidential term limits.
  • Human rights and civil society organizations report that security forces made over 60 arrests and used excessive force, including arbitrary detentions, beatings, torture, looting, and property destruction.
  • Bodies of seven demonstrators, including minors, were found in Be lagoon, Akodessewa lake, and Nyekonakpoe with rights groups rejecting government claims that the deaths were accidental drownings.
  • Dozens more protesters were wounded during the security crackdown, and Amnesty International has denounced alleged torture of detainees.
  • Critics warn that the crackdown following President Gnassingbe’s assumption of unlimited presidential powers intensifies fears of democratic backsliding in Togo.