Fact Check: "Protests banned in Togo since 2022, citing 'security reasons'."
What We Know
Demonstrations in Togo have been officially banned since 2022, with the government citing "security reasons" for this decision. This ban was implemented following a violent incident at Lomé's main market, which led to the government's crackdown on public protests (BBC, AP News). Reports indicate that the government has taken a hard stance against protests, labeling them as a "campaign of disinformation and hatred" and threatening legal action against organizers (BBC).
The ban on protests has been a significant point of contention among civil rights groups and opposition parties, who argue that it violates the fundamental right to peaceful assembly as recognized by both the Togolese Constitution and international agreements (BBC).
Analysis
The claim that protests have been banned in Togo since 2022 is substantiated by multiple credible sources. The BBC and AP News both report that the government has enforced this ban due to security concerns stemming from violent protests. The government's justification for the ban appears to be rooted in a desire to maintain order, especially in light of recent protests that have resulted in fatalities and significant unrest (BBC).
However, the reliability of the government's claims regarding security concerns is questionable, as civil rights organizations have condemned the use of force against demonstrators and called for investigations into police actions during protests (BBC). The opposition views the ban as a means to suppress dissent and maintain the ruling party's grip on power, particularly in the context of recent constitutional changes that critics label as an "institutional coup" (AP News).
Conclusion
The claim that protests have been banned in Togo since 2022, citing "security reasons," is True. The evidence from multiple credible sources supports this assertion, highlighting the government's official stance and the context in which this ban was enacted. The ongoing tension between the government and civil society underscores the complexities surrounding the issue of public demonstrations in Togo.
