Stop the persecution of civil society leaders in Togo

For the past few months, the people of Togo have been protesting to demand political change and the end of the Gnassingbe dynasty that has been ruling Togo for the past 51 years. On the other hand, trade unions such as teachers and health practitioners have also been striking to demand better pay and work conditions. While the government of Ghana is leading a mediation between opposition parties and the ruling party in order to find a solution to the political crises, the military regime of Faure Gnassingbe et trying to dismantle civil society groups and trade unions by persecuting and arresting activists, union leaders and their family members.

The Vice Dean of the Medical School of the University of Lomé was arrested along with the children of two medical doctors in Togo who are union leaders. These persecutions are meant to fragilize civil society and allow Faure Gnassingbe to consolidate his power. We the citizens of Togo demand that International Institutions take action against such violations and call the government of Togo to order. Freedom of association and speech are guaranteed by the Constitution of the Republic of Togo, the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance as well as the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights.

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