Togo: Rapper Aamron kidnapped by gendarmes and placed in a psychiatric hospital

In Togo, many questions remain surrounding rapper Amron. The artist, who is very active on social media, is known for his criticism of the Togolese authorities. He was taken away about ten days ago, on the evening of May 26, by gendarmes who came to collect him from his home. Since then, the situation remains unclear. As calls for his release multiply, his case has provoked the anger of young activists on social media.

Where is Amron currently? Under what conditions is he being held? The rapper was reportedly taken into custody by the Central Criminal Investigation and Research Service (SCRIC), according to some sources. Other sources say he was then taken to a psychiatric hospital near Aneho, 50 km east of Lomé, the capital of Togo .

Information we have not been able to verify. Are any proceedings initiated against Amron ? Not to our knowledge, respond several civil society organizations. According to them, he has not yet seen a lawyer.

Why was he taken away? What is he accused of? His friend, the artist Zaga Bambo, attributes his situation to the rapper's stance and his biting criticism of the Togolese government. In his latest video, for example, Amron ironically called for Faure Gnassingbé to be celebrated this Friday, June 6, his birthday. This call has since been relayed online by young activists.

According to observers, the rapper's case crystallizes the frustrations of young Togolese, who denounce his situation, the rise in the price of electricity and the transition to the Fifth Republic.