On April 23, 2024, the Togolese Ministry of Territorial Administration issued a letter to two representatives of the opposition coalition Dynamique Monseigneur Kpodzro (DMK), prohibiting a peaceful sit-in planned for April 25 in front of the Constitutional Court. The ministry justified the ban on the grounds that the request had been “signed by two people instead of three.”
The decision adds to growing concerns over the shrinking space for dissent in Togo. Civil society and opposition groups have faced increasing restrictions on their rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, particularly in the wake of controversial constitutional amendments.
“In Togo, dissenting voices can no longer enjoy their rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. It has been difficult, if not impossible, to contribute freely to the debate on the new constitution without fear of reprisals, including arbitrary detention, despite repeated commitments by the authorities to guarantee human rights,” said Samira Daoud, Amnesty International’s regional director for West and Central Africa.
She further condemned the government's approach, stating, “The way in which the Togolese authorities have trampled upon the rights of those opposed to constitutional changes is appalling. The crackdown on human rights must end.”
The ban on the sit-in follows a pattern of escalating restrictions against political opposition and civic activism, raising concerns about the state of democracy and fundamental freedoms in Togo.
Please note:
This action will also remove this member from your connections and send a report to the site admin.
Please allow a few minutes for this process to complete.
