Fact Check: "Protests labeled 'campaign of disinformation' by Togo's government"
What We Know
Recent protests in Togo have led to significant unrest, with reports indicating that at least seven people have died during a crackdown on demonstrators calling for President Faure Gnassingbé to step down and release political prisoners. The protests, which began on June 26, 2025, were met with violent responses from security forces, including the use of tear gas and physical confrontations with protesters (BBC). In response to the unrest, the Togolese government has labeled the protests a "campaign of disinformation and hatred" orchestrated from abroad, claiming that misinformation was used to incite violence and unrest (Citi News).
The government has accused certain political and civil society actors of exploiting the situation to destabilize the country, asserting that the protests were fueled by manipulated narratives and false information (WADR). The authorities have threatened legal action against the organizers of the protests, emphasizing their commitment to maintaining order and the rule of law (MTV Lebanon).
Analysis
The claim that the Togolese government has labeled the protests as a "campaign of disinformation" is supported by multiple credible sources. The government's official statements explicitly describe the protests as being driven by misinformation aimed at sowing discord within the nation (Citi News). This assertion is corroborated by reports from various news outlets, including the BBC and MTV Lebanon, which detail the government's response to the protests and its framing of the unrest as a manipulation by external actors (BBC, MTV Lebanon).
The sources cited are reputable, with the BBC being a well-established international news organization and Citi News providing local coverage. However, it is important to note that government statements can often be biased, particularly in contexts of civil unrest, as they may seek to deflect blame and maintain control over the narrative. The framing of dissent as disinformation is a common tactic used by governments facing protests, which raises questions about the objectivity of the claims made by the Togolese authorities.
Conclusion
The claim that the Togolese government has labeled the protests as a "campaign of disinformation" is True. The evidence from multiple reliable sources confirms that the government has publicly attributed the unrest to misinformation and has threatened legal action against those involved in organizing the protests. This response aligns with common governmental strategies in situations of civil unrest, where dissent is often framed as a threat to national stability.
