Fact Check: Togo has experienced political unrest and protests against its government.

Fact Check: Togo has experienced political unrest and protests against its government

What We Know

Togo has a history of political unrest and protests, particularly against the government led by President Faure Gnassingbé. Recent events have highlighted this ongoing tension. For instance, in June 2025, protests erupted in the capital city, Lomé, resulting in at least three deaths, including two teenagers, as reported by Amnesty International. The protests were sparked by public discontent over constitutional changes that critics argue could allow Gnassingbé to remain in power indefinitely. Demonstrators faced violent clashes with security forces, leading to accusations of arbitrary arrests and excessive use of force by the police (BBC News, DW).

Historically, Togo has struggled with political stability since gaining independence from France in 1960. The country has been criticized for its human rights record and governance issues, which have often led to civil unrest (Wikipedia, BBC News). The Gnassingbé family has been in power for decades, with Faure Gnassingbé succeeding his father, Gnassingbé Eyadéma, who ruled for 38 years before his death in 2005 (Wikipedia).

Analysis

The claim that Togo has experienced political unrest and protests against its government is supported by multiple credible sources. The recent protests in June 2025, which resulted in fatalities and violent clashes, are documented by Amnesty International and corroborated by reports from other news agencies like Al Jazeera and DW. These sources provide detailed accounts of the events, including the context of the protests, the government's response, and the resulting casualties.

The reliability of these sources is generally high. Amnesty International is a well-respected human rights organization known for its rigorous documentation of human rights abuses. News outlets like the Associated Press, BBC News, and DW are established media organizations with a history of reporting on international affairs, including human rights and political issues in Africa. Their coverage of Togo's political situation reflects a consensus on the unrest and the reasons behind it.

However, it is essential to note that while these sources provide a clear picture of the unrest, the situation in Togo is complex and influenced by various factors, including historical grievances against the ruling party and the broader regional context of political instability in West Africa.

Conclusion

The verdict is True. The claim that Togo has experienced political unrest and protests against its government is substantiated by credible evidence from multiple sources. The ongoing protests, particularly those in June 2025, highlight the dissatisfaction among the populace regarding governance and constitutional changes that threaten democratic processes. The historical context of political oppression and the long-standing rule of the Gnassingbé family further reinforce the validity of this claim.