A wave of anti-government protests in Togo over soaring living costs turned deadly this month, as security forces allegedly killed seven civilians, including two minors, as the BBC reports. Shocking reports indicate that some bodies were later discovered in waterways, raising further alarm over the use of excessive force and unlawful killings.
The protests erupted in early June following the sharp rise in fuel, food, and transport prices, compounding economic hardship for thousands. Demonstrators, mostly youth and informal sector workers, took to the streets demanding government action to curb inflation and provide relief.
According to local human rights organizations, security forces responded with disproportionate force, opening fire on unarmed protesters and conducting mass arrests. At least 30 people were detained, many of whom allege they were tortured while in custody, including beatings and mock executions.
A History of Repression
Togo’s security forces have long faced criticism for suppressing public dissent. The current violence follows a familiar pattern of crackdowns on protests, including during previous election cycles and economic demonstrations. Activists say the June 2025 repression is among the deadliest in recent years.
Family members of the victims say they were denied access to bodies or information about those still in custody. Independent media coverage has also been limited due to fear of reprisals.
Amnesty International has called on the Togolese government to immediately investigate the killings and torture allegations and to hold those responsible accountable under international law.
Violations of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights
The state’s response represents a direct breach of several provisions under the African Charter:
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Right to Life (Article 4): The deliberate use of lethal force against unarmed protesters, including minors, constitutes arbitrary deprivation of life—a core violation of the Charter.
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Right to Dignity (Article 5): Allegations of torture and inhumane treatment of detainees breach the right to dignity and protection from cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment.
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Right to Liberty and Security (Article 6): Arbitrary detentions without legal safeguards violate the personal liberty and security guaranteed to every individual.
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Right to Peaceful Assembly (Article 11): The crackdown on lawful, peaceful protests undermines citizens’ right to freely express collective grievances.
Regional and International Response
The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights has yet to issue a formal statement, but several regional observers have expressed concern. Civil society groups across West Africa have urged ECOWAS and the African Union to press Togo for reforms and demand independent investigations.
Togo is a signatory to the African Charter and is obligated to respect, protect, and fulfill the rights it guarantees. The failure to ensure accountability for these abuses risks deepening political unrest and eroding public trust in government institutions.
As the families of the victims mourn and civil society pushes for justice, the international community’s silence would amount to complicity in what is rapidly becoming a crisis of impunity.
