Togo: 7 people killed during recent anti-government protests

At least seven people have been killed and many more injured during recent anti-government protests in Togo’s capital, Lomé.

The protests were over recent constitutional reforms that could cement President Faure Gnassingbé’s long hold on power. Videos emerged showing apparent abuses by security forces.

According to reports, police fired tear gas in several neighborhoods of Lomé and used batons to beat protesters, severely injuring some.

Internet access across the West African nation has been restricted, with social media platforms functioning intermittently.

Civil society groups and social media influencers had called for protests on June 26, 27 and 28, after the government’s clampdown on protests early this month.

Faure Gnassingbé, who has ruled since 2005 following his father’s death, was sworn in in May as President of the Council of Ministers.

The powerful role has no official term limits and he is eligible to be re-elected by Parliament indefinitely.

Gnassingbe’s former job as national president, a position that is now mostly ceremonial, was given to politician Jean-Lucien Kwassi Savi de Tove after the announcement.