Faure Gnassing faces criticism of the change in the constitution of a country that allows him to maintain power indefinitely.
Security forces used tear gas to disperse hundreds of protesters who blocked roads in Togo’s capital, demanding the resignation of longtime leader Faure Gnassingbe.
Hundreds of protesters installed concrete block barricades in several areas of Rom on Thursday, throwing projectiles at several burning tires and security forces. Police have dispersed dozens of protesters in tear gas and arrested several people in the Bee neighborhood, as well as opposition bases.
The protest is as Gnassingbe faces calls from critics to resign and changes to the country’s constitution that will allow him to remain in power indefinitely.
Civil society groups and social media influencers were calling for protests from June 26-28 after the government protested earlier this month.
Severe police presence was established throughout the capital, where many businesses were closed that day. Military Jeeps were deployed as reinforcements in some areas.
“We’re hungry. There’s no more Togo’s youth, which is why we’re going to protest this morning,” said Cossi Albert, 30, an unemployed man.
Togo’s Territorial Management Minister Hodabaro a a a a a a a a a a a a a a woeto immediately responded to a request for comment on security forces’ response to the protest.
A coalition of political groups known as the “Hands Off My Constitution” said in a Facebook post Wednesday that “Faure Gnassingbe is urgently urgently to take urgent measures to free approximately 100 political prisoners immediately and unconditionally and restore purchasing power to the population.”
It called for “unprecedented, peaceful demonstrations.”
Gnassingbe, which has been ruled since 2005 after his father’s death, has been sworn in as president of the Council of Ministers. There are no official period limits for powerful roles.
Opposition politicians have condemned the move as a “constitutional coup,” which can broaden his control for life.
According to Amnesty International, Togoian authorities arrested dozens earlier this month amid protests against Gnasbe’s new role and critics who have been described as cracking down on objections and cracking down on living crisis. Many were released soon, rights groups said.
In Togo, demonstrations are rare as they have been banned domestically since 2022 following fatal attacks in Rome’s major markets.
However, the latest changes in government structure have been widely criticized in regions that have witnessed coups and other threats to democracy.
