The Togolese government has accused foreign-based individuals of orchestrating a disinformation campaign aimed at disturbing public order.
This follows violent unrest in Lomé at the end of June in which several arrests were made, including of foreign nationals who allegedly entered the country illegally.
In a statement issued on 29 June, the government condemned what it described as a “foreign-orchestrated disinformation campaign” that it says triggered the violence which broke out from 26 to 28 June in several districts of the capital.
The unrest, organised by civil society groups and amplified on social media, comes amid heightened political tensions following recent constitutional reforms.
These reforms allowed President Faure Gnassingbé—who has been in power since 2005—to assume the role of President of the Council of Ministers, a position with no term limits.
Opposition groups have denounced the move as a “constitutional coup” aimed at extending his grip on power indefinitely.
The government strongly condemned what it views as an externally-driven destabilisation effort meant to undermine republican institutions and disturb the peace. It praised the swift and coordinated response of security forces, supported by local communities, in containing the unrest.
Authorities confirmed the arrest of several individuals, including foreign nationals unlawfully present in the country.
Judicial proceedings have been launched against those suspected of instigating the violence, and the government has called for international legal cooperation to bring to justice all perpetrators, including those operating from abroad.
It also rejected claims linking recent drownings in local bodies of water to the protests, citing forensic reports.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to the rule of law, fundamental freedoms, political pluralism, and national unity, while urging the population to remain vigilant during the ongoing rainy season.
AC/sf/lb/as/APA