Fact Check: Police clash with protesters, using tear gas and batons in Togo
What We Know
Recent protests in Togo have escalated into clashes between demonstrators and security forces. On June 26, 2025, police used tear gas and batons to disperse hundreds of protesters in the capital, Lomé, who were demanding the resignation of President Faure Gnassingbé. The protests were sparked by constitutional changes that critics argue could allow Gnassingbé to remain in power indefinitely (Reuters, AP News). Reports indicate that police arrested around ten individuals in the Bè neighborhood, a known opposition stronghold, during these confrontations (Washington Post, Al Jazeera).
Analysis
The claim that police clashed with protesters using tear gas and batons is supported by multiple reliable sources. According to Reuters, soldiers employed tear gas and batons to break up protests, confirming the use of force against demonstrators. Additionally, the AP News and Washington Post corroborate these events, detailing the police's actions to disperse protesters and the subsequent arrests made in opposition areas.
The credibility of these sources is strong; Reuters and AP are well-established news organizations known for their rigorous journalistic standards. The reports provide consistent details about the protests, the police response, and the political context surrounding the unrest, indicating a high level of reliability.
However, it is important to note that the situation in Togo is complex, with a history of political tension and repression. The protests are part of a broader movement against perceived authoritarianism in the country, which adds a layer of urgency and significance to the events being reported.
Conclusion
The claim that police clashed with protesters in Togo, using tear gas and batons, is True. Multiple credible sources confirm that security forces employed these measures to disperse demonstrators in Lomé, responding to widespread calls for the resignation of President Gnassingbé amid constitutional changes that threaten democratic governance.
