Togo’s Streets Explode, But What Is Really Fueling The Fire?

Togo’s capital, Lomé, was rocked by protests on Thursday, June 26, 2025, as hundreds of demonstrators clashed with security forces, demanding the resignation of President Faure Gnassingbé.

Local media reports that scenes marked by unrest, protesters blocked roads with concrete barricades, set tyres ablaze, and hurled projectiles at police in a growing wave of frustration over constitutional changes and economic hardship.

Police responded by firing tear gas to disperse the crowds, particularly in Lomé’s Be neighbourhood, a known opposition stronghold.

Dozens of arrests were reported as authorities sought to bring the situation under control.

A heavy security presence was visible across the city, with military jeeps patrolling major roads and many businesses opting to shut down for the day in anticipation of unrest.

The protests come amid rising discontent with Gnassingbé’s continued grip on power.

He has ruled the West African country since 2005 following the death of his father, Gnassingbé Eyadéma, who had been in power for nearly four decades.

Critics say the president is now maneuvering to entrench himself indefinitely through constitutional reforms.

Earlier this year, Togo’s National Assembly approved sweeping changes to the constitution that included the creation of a powerful presidential-style Council of Ministers, of which Gnassingbé was sworn in as president in May.

The position, which carries no term limits, has been slammed by opposition leaders as a “constitutional coup” designed to secure lifelong rule.

Civil society groups and online activists rallied under the banner of “Hands Off My Constitution.”

They urged Togolese citizens to mobilize from June 26 to 28 in defiance of what they describe as an undemocratic power grab.

The campaign issued a forceful statement on Wednesday, demanding the resignation of the president.

They also demand the immediate release of political prisoners and economic relief for struggling citizens.

“We strongly urge Faure Gnassingbé to immediately and unconditionally release all of the roughly one hundred political prisoners, and to take urgent measures to restore purchasing power to the population,” the coalition posted on Facebook, calling for an “unprecedented peaceful demonstration.”

On the ground, frustrations are running high.

Many young people, particularly the unemployed, see no future under the current leadership.

“We’re hungry. Nothing works for Togolese youth any more, that’s why we’re going out to protest this morning,” said Kossi Albert, a 30-year-old protester in Lomé, who said he planned to return to the streets on Friday.

The government has reportedly remained largely silent.

On the other hand, Togo’s Minister of Territorial Administration, Hodabalo Awate, did not respond to requests for comment regarding the handling of the demonstrations.

Togo’s security forces have previously cracked down hard on dissent.

Protests have been effectively banned since 2022, after a deadly incident at Lomé’s main market.

Since then, authorities have maintained strict controls on public gatherings, making the recent protests one of the largest and most defiant shows of discontent in years.

Earlier this month, dozens of opposition supporters were arrested during demonstrations against Gnassingbé’s new government structure and what rights groups are calling a suppression of civil liberties.

Amnesty International confirmed that while many were released quickly, the broader pattern of detentions signals an alarming erosion of political freedoms.

The latest unrest in Togo is also drawing regional attention.

West Africa has seen a series of political crises in recent years, with multiple coups and rising tensions over democracy and governance.

The developments in Lomé are being closely watched by international observers, who fear a backslide in democratic progress.

Despite mounting pressure, there is little indication so far that the Gnassingbé administration plans to reverse course.

With protests expected to continue, the question now is whether public unrest will escalate, or whether it will be met with further repression.

What’s clear is that a new generation of Togolese is demanding change, and they are increasingly willing to risk tear gas and arrest to make their voices heard.

As one protester shouted while ducking behind a burned-out tyre:

“Enough is enough—this is our future they’re playing with.”

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