Thousands of Togolese citizens took to the streets of Lomé on Thursday, June 6, in a bold demonstration against President Faure Gnassingbé’s decades-long grip on power.
The protests, strategically timed to coincide with Gnassingbé’s 59th birthday, were marked by chants of “Faure Must Go!” and “Free Togo Now!”
The protests, largely organized by young activists and opposition groups like the National Alliance for Change (ANC), saw a heavy police presence.
Videos circulating on social media show security forces firing tear gas at crowds, while some officers reportedly refused to suppress protesters—a sign of growing dissent even within state institutions.
“We will march again tomorrow. Faure should talk to us about the conditions for his departure. The (draft) law on mandates comes too late,” said Jean-Pierre Fabre, the head of the main ANC opposition party, speaking before a crowd of thousands of protesters in central Lomé. Fabre has been adamant that Gnassingbé must step down immediately, warning that more protests will follow if he fails to comply.
Protesters’ Grievances
-Economic Hardship*: Soaring living costs, unemployment, and systemic corruption
– Lack of Democracy: 50-year dynasty rule, with Gnassingbé’s family in power since 1967
– Human Rights Concerns: Past protests have been met with violence, resulting in deaths and arrests
The African Union (AU), which condemned Gnassingbé’s 2005 ascension as a de facto coup, has yet to issue a statement on the latest unrest. Human rights organizations warn of potential crackdowns, recalling past protests where security forces killed dozens.
In a statement, Gnassingbé pledged to improve living conditions in the country of nearly 8 million people, but protesters remain skeptical. “The youth of Togo have risen to liberate their motherland,” tweeted activist Ali Naka. “We stand for democracy, dignity, and justice”