Togolese Government Bans Sit-in By “Hands off my Constitution” Front in front of Constitutional Court

The Togolese government has banned a sit-in planned for Friday, August 9, 2024, by the “Touche pas à ma Constitution” Front in front of the Constitutional Court, according to a press release from the Minister of Territorial Administration, Colonel Awaté Hodabalo. This ban is based on Article 9-2 of Law No. 2019-010, amending Law No. 2011-010 of May 16, 2011, which prohibits demonstrations near the institutions of the Republic, including the Constitutional Court. The minister explained that this measure aims to “protect the country’s strategic institutions against any form of disruption likely to undermine public order and national security.” The “Touche pas à ma Constitution” Front had organized this sit-in to express its opposition to Togo’s new constitution, which marks the transition to the 5th Republic. The organizers saw this demonstration as a peaceful way to voice their discontent. The government's decision has drawn criticism, with some seeing it as an attempt to suppress dissenting voices and an attack on the right to peaceful assembly. The controversy continues to grow as political tensions over the new constitution persist.