Togo Authorities Crack Down on Civil Society and Opposition Meetings Amid Constitutional Amendments

Authorities in Togo have intensified restrictions on civil society and opposition activities following the adoption of controversial constitutional amendments. Several meetings, including press conferences, have been banned or forcefully dispersed by security forces.

On March 27, 2024, security forces intervened in at least three separate gatherings in Lomé and Tsévié. A coalition of civil society organizations and opposition parties had planned a press conference to announce the creation of *"Ne touche pas à ma constitution"* (“Don’t touch my constitution”) in opposition to the amendments. However, gendarmes reportedly intimidated the venue owners, forcing the event to relocate. Even at the new location, security forces ordered participants to evacuate, citing a lack of authorization, and used tear gas to disperse the gathering. Journalists present at the event told Amnesty International they were threatened and warned against filming the incident.

Later that same day, another press conference organized by opposition groups and civil society organizations in Bé, Lomé, was also disrupted. Security forces attempted to prevent it from taking place, but organizers managed to relocate and proceed with the event.

Beyond press conferences, broader civil society activities have also been targeted. In Tsévié, 30 kilometers north of Lomé, local authorities shut down a civil society workshop on the protection of freedom of association and peaceful assembly. A dozen gendarmes arrived at the hotel where the workshop was being held, ordering participants to leave under the claim that the meeting lacked authorization. Organizers were also reportedly forced to submit a list of participants.

This incident follows a previous ban on October 11, 2023, when authorities blocked the launch of the same project, *“Strengthening Civil Society for the Promotion and Protection of Freedom of Association and Assembly in Togo.”*

The crackdown has sparked widespread concerns over shrinking civic space in Togo, with activists and journalists facing growing restrictions on their ability to organize and report on political developments.