Security forces in Togo have used tear gas to disperse hundreds of protesters demanding the resignation of President Faure Gnassingbe. Demonstrators blocked roads in parts of the capital, Lome, on Thursday, burning tyres and throwing objects at police, who responded with force and made several arrests in the Be neighbourhood.
The protests come amid growing anger over recent constitutional changes that critics say could allow Gnassingbe to remain in power indefinitely. Civil society groups and online activists had called for peaceful protests from 26 to 28 June, following a government crackdown earlier in the month.
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A coalition known as “Hands Off My Constitution” is demanding the release of around 100 political detainees and action to address rising living costs. The group described the protests as an “unprecedented peaceful demonstration” against constitutional manipulation and economic hardship.
Gnassingbe, who took power in 2005 after the death of his father, was sworn in last month as president of the Council of Ministers, a role with no term limits. There has been no official response yet from the interior ministry regarding the security response to the protests.
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