ARTICLE 19 expresses deep concern over the deteriorating civic space in Togo, characterised by the arrest of activists and journalists, the suppression of public demonstrations, and restrictive measures targeting online criticism of officials. We call on the Togolese authorities to uphold people’s rights to freedom of expression and to protest.
Since the controversial constitutional reform of 2024, which replaced the presidential system with a parliamentary one and abolished direct presidential elections, Togo has been mired in a deep political crisis. Widely perceived as a manoeuvre to extend Faure Gnassingbé’s grip on power, the reform enabled him to assume the role of President of the Council on 3 May 2025 without a popular vote. The legislative and regional elections held on 29 April 2025, marred by allegations of irregularities and a partial opposition boycott, further inflamed tensions and triggered a wave of protests met with violent repression.
Commenting on the situation, Alfred Nkuru Bulakali, Regional Director of ARTICLE 19, stated
‘Where civic space is curtailed, democracy suffocates and fundamental rights lose their meaning. When speech, association, and dissent are treated as threats, rights cease to be guarantees and become privileges. ARTICLE 19 urges the Togolese authorities to honour their international human rights obligations and ensure a civic space that is free, pluralistic, and secure for all.’
Between August and October 2025, a series of documented incidents highlight an alarming shrinking of civic freedoms.
- On 3 October 2025, human rights activist and midwife Grâce Koumayi Biyoki was arrested at her home in Agoè-Nyivé and placed in pre-trial detention on charges of ‘inciting revolt’ and ‘attempting to undermine state security’ following the publication of a video online. That same day, the public prosecutor, Talaka Mawama, announced repressive measures against the ‘unorthodox’ use of social media, threatening legal action against any post or comment deemed critical of the regime. This draconian law seeks to stifle digital freedom of expression, a vital space for youth mobilisation in Togo.
- On 19 September 2025, outspoken rapper Aamron, known for his anti-dictatorship position, was arrested in Lomé. He was released the following day but placed under judicial supervision.
- On 17 September 2025, Marguerite Gnakadé was detained on charges including ‘incitement to revolt’ and ‘aggravated public disorder’.
- On 30 August 2025, a protest organised by the 6 June Movement (M66) in Lomé, aimed at denouncing the rising cost of living and the constitutional reform, was violently dispersed by security forces. The ban was based on a 2019 law, revised in July 2025 to impose stricter conditions on public gatherings.
- On 22 August 2025, two young activists from the Tournons La Page movement, Armand Agbleze and Oséi Agbagno, were apprehended in Lomé by plainclothes officers and taken to the Central Service for Criminal Investigations (SCRIC) without clear justification.
These events reflect a pattern of human rights violations, including arbitrary arrests, unlawful detentions, suppression of peaceful protests, and restrictions on freedom of expression. Such practices contravene Togo’s obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), particularly Articles 9 (liberty and security of person), 19 (freedom of expression), and 21 (right to peaceful assembly). They also breach the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), notably Articles 6, 9, and 11, as well as the Convention Against Torture (CAT), ratified by Togo, which prohibits all forms of torture and ill-treatment, including in detention.
Moreover, the crackdown on social media users, outspoken artists, and human rights defenders constitutes a direct violation of freedom of expression, as enshrined in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and reinforced by Resolution 169 of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights concerning freedom of expression and access to information. The excessive use of force during demonstrations and prolonged detentions without fair trial also contravenes the Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials.
ARTICLE 19 calls on the Togolese authorities to immediately release all individuals detained for peacefully exercising their rights, repeal repressive laws, and uphold a civic space that is free, inclusive, and secure, in line with international standards.
For further information, please contact:
Maateuw Mbaye, Programme Officer / Protection & Civic Space
Email : [email protected]
Tél : +221 78 595 83 37
ARTICLE 19 West Africa Office
Fixe : +221 33 869 03 22
Email : [email protected]