Fact Check: "Togo has experienced political unrest and protests in recent years."
What We Know
Togo has indeed experienced significant political unrest and protests in recent years. The country has been under the long-standing rule of President Faure Gnassingbé, who has faced increasing opposition, particularly after constitutional changes that critics argue could allow him to remain in power indefinitely. For instance, during protests in June 2025, at least three people died, and numerous others were injured in clashes between demonstrators and security forces in the capital, Lomé (AP News). Amnesty International reported that these protests were fueled by public discontent over the government's handling of political dissent and the perceived erosion of democratic norms (AP News).
Historically, Togo has a tumultuous political landscape characterized by a lack of democratic governance and human rights abuses. Since gaining independence from France in 1960, the country has struggled with political stability, and protests have often been met with violent crackdowns (BBC News). The most recent wave of protests has been described as a response to the government's attempts to suppress dissent and maintain power (DW).
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim of political unrest in Togo is robust. Reports from credible organizations such as Amnesty International and major news outlets like the Associated Press and BBC highlight ongoing protests and violent clashes with security forces. The protests are not isolated incidents but part of a broader pattern of civil unrest linked to the Gnassingbé regime's authoritarian practices and constitutional changes that many view as a "constitutional coup" (AP News, DW).
The reliability of these sources is high. Amnesty International is a well-respected human rights organization known for its rigorous reporting standards, while the Associated Press and BBC are established news organizations with extensive coverage of international affairs. Their reports are corroborated by multiple eyewitness accounts and statements from civil society groups, further enhancing their credibility.
However, it is important to note that the Togolese government has often downplayed the severity of protests, attributing deaths to drowning rather than violence, which raises questions about the government's transparency and accountability (AP News). This discrepancy highlights the potential for bias in official narratives, contrasting sharply with the accounts from human rights organizations and opposition groups.
Conclusion
The claim that "Togo has experienced political unrest and protests in recent years" is True. The evidence from multiple credible sources indicates a clear pattern of civil unrest, driven by public dissatisfaction with the current regime and its attempts to consolidate power. The violent responses to protests and the ongoing calls for democratic reforms further substantiate this claim.
