More than 50 individuals detained during anti-government demonstrations in Togo last week have been released, while several others remain in custody as authorities continue their investigations, according to a statement from the country’s public prosecutor.
The protests erupted during the night of June 5 to 6 in several parts of the capital, Lomé, prompting a forceful police response. Security forces used tear gas to disperse demonstrators, including those gathered near key government sites such as the presidential palace. The unrest followed a public appeal by well-known rapper Aamron, who urged citizens to mobilize against what he described as a growing clampdown on freedom of expression, rising electricity costs, and recent constitutional changes introduced by the administration of President Faure Gnassingbé.
President Gnassingbé has held office since 2005, following the death of his father, Gnassingbé Eyadéma, who ruled Togo for nearly four decades. The country has since faced periodic waves of protest, especially around issues of political reform and presidential term limits.
Demonstrations Deemed Illegal
Although public gatherings are technically allowed, Togo has enforced a ban on street protests since 2022, following a deadly explosion at Lomé’s main market. This legal restriction has been widely criticized by civil society groups as a tool to suppress dissent, even as the government maintains the measure is necessary for national security.
During a televised statement on Monday, public prosecutor Talaka Mawama confirmed that 56 people detained during the recent protests had been released. “These individuals were charged with minor offenses and did not pose a significant threat to public order,” Mawama said.
However, he noted that others would remain in custody for the time being. “The detention period for some has been extended to allow for further investigative steps,” he added. “They will be presented to the prosecutor’s office in the coming hours.” Mawama went on to say that the nature of the demonstrations pointed to a broader rebellion against the republic’s institutions, signaling the seriousness with which the government views the protests.
Political Opposition and Civil Society React
The “Hands Off My Constitution” coalition, made up of opposition political parties and civil society organizations, has sharply criticized the government’s handling of the protests. In a statement shared with international media, the coalition accused authorities of carrying out “mass and arbitrary arrests” and suppressing legitimate political expression.
The protests were further inflamed by the arrest of Aamron, whose real name is Essowe Tchalla. He was taken from his home on May 26, days before the demonstrations began. Prior to his detention, the rapper had been actively calling for public resistance to the government’s policies through his social media platforms and public appearances.
Ten days after his arrest, Aamron appeared in a video where he apologized to President Gnassingbé and revealed he had been admitted to a psychiatric hospital due to “severe depression.” His appearance raised questions about the circumstances of his detainment and the conditions under which the video was recorded.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Aamron’s lawyer, Celestin Agbogan, confirmed that his client is still being held in a psychiatric facility and clarified that no formal charges have been filed against him. “There are no ongoing legal proceedings against Mr. Tchalla,” Agbogan stated, fueling speculation about the motives behind his continued detention.
A Broader Climate of Suppression
The events of early June underscore a growing atmosphere of political repression in Togo, where criticism of the government has increasingly come at a high cost. The arrests, extended detentions, and limitations on public protest reflect broader concerns among rights groups about the erosion of democratic freedoms in the West African country.
While the release of some protesters marks a partial de-escalation, the continued detention of others — and the uncertain status of Aamron — suggest that tensions remain high, and that Togo’s civic space continues to face significant challenges.