Over 50 individuals who were detained during last week’s anti-government protests in Togo have been released, although some individuals still remain in custody, according to the public prosecutor’s announcement.
Protesters were dispersed using tear gas overnight from June 5 to 6 in various locations around Lomé, the capital, including areas close to the presidential palace. They gathered after a call from popular rapper Aamron to voice their concerns about the arrests of dissenters, increasing electricity prices, and constitutional amendments made under President Faure Gnassingbé, who has been in power since 2005.
Public protests have been banned in Togo since 2022 following a deadly incident at Lomé’s main market, although public gatherings remain allowed. Public prosecutor Talaka Mawama stated during a televised address on Monday that “a total of 56 people were released” by the government, on “charges considered light.” He also remarked that the demonstrations “clearly indicate a revolt against the institutions of the republic.”
The “Hands Off My Constitution” coalition, which includes opposition parties and civic organizations, condemned the mass and arbitrary arrests that occurred on June 5 and 6.
Calls for protests became more pronounced after Aamron, whose real name is Essowe Tchalla, appeared in a video ten days post his arrest at home in Lomé on May 26. Just hours before his arrest, he had joined others in encouraging the public to protest. However, in the video, he expressed regret towards the president and revealed that he was hospitalized for “severe depression.” His lawyer, Celestin Agbogan, informed reporters on Monday that the rapper remains hospitalized and that “there are no legal proceedings against Aamron.”