About seven people were confirmed dead and several others injured following the demonstrations in Lome, Togo’s capital, over the controversial adoption of a new constitution in the country.

Togolese took to the streets of Lome between June 26 and 28, 2025 to challenge the constitutional changes that could allow the President Faure Gnassingbé to remain in power indefinitely.

In a statement, the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), expressed concerns over the “violent repression” of the peaceful demonstrations.

The organisation decried how peaceful protesters in several neighbourhoods of Lome were violently dispersed by the security forces reportedly aided by plainclothes militia, used brutal force.

It stated, “Many unarmed protesters were beaten, and numerous bystanders and local residents were arrested without legal justification. The human toll is devastating, with seven people confirmed dead. On the morning of June 27, two brothers, aged 22 and 25, were found in the Fourth Lake in the Akodessewa neighbourhood.’’

Since 2022, according to the human rights organisation, public demonstrations in Togo had been tightly restricted.

It explained that freedom of expression and assembly had been severely curtailed, and opposition parties and independent civil society groups face growing suppression.

“The violent crackdown on the June 26 to 28 protests echoes the events of June 5–6, during which about 80 people were arrested and journalists were either detained or barred from covering the protests.

Mr Gnassingbé, who has ruled since 2005 after the death of his father, was sworn in in May as President of the Council of Ministers. This role has no official term limits, making the president eligible to re-elected by Parliament indefinitely.

According to multiple reports, the latest demonstrations followed protests earlier in June when scores of Togolese opposed the constitution reforms that could embolden the president, worsen their lives and lead to rising cost of living.

However, the government denied any wrongdoing, accusing “foreign-based actors” of attempts to destabilise the country through disinformation and incitement to violence.

“These are false information and images imported from contexts unrelated to Togo, aimed at disturbing public order and undermining the foundations of the Republic,” the government said.

The Media Foundation for West Africa condemned the violent repression of innocent civilians during the protests, upbraiding security forces for the use of violence.

“We urgently call on Togolese authorities to conduct a transparent and independent investigation into the events that led to the deaths and violent attacks. The full truth must be uncovered, and those responsible held accountable.

“We stand in solidarity with the bereaved families, who deserve both justice and answers. The state must ensure that these grave human rights violations do not go unpunished and that the fundamental rights of Togolese citizens are upheld. This is essential for restoring public trust and ensuring lasting social peace,” the Foundation said.