Togo Police Deploy Water Cannons on Peaceful Protesters Demanding Political Reform
Lomé, Togo —
In a tense escalation of civil unrest, Togolese police forces used high-pressure water cannons to disperse hundreds of peaceful protesters gathered in Lomé on Tuesday. The demonstrators were calling for greater political transparency, constitutional reform, and an end to decades of perceived authoritarian rule.
Footage circulating on social media shows a large armored police van aggressively spraying demonstrators—many of whom were waving national flags, holding placards, and singing unity chants. Despite the peaceful nature of the protest, law enforcement officials moved swiftly to break up the crowd.
Witnesses report that the protest began early in the morning and was largely peaceful until late afternoon when riot police were deployed. The water cannons were used without prior warning, sparking condemnation from human rights organizations and opposition leaders.
“This is a clear violation of our right to assemble peacefully,” said Jean Komi, one of the protest organizers. “We were unarmed and nonviolent. The government is showing the world its fear of the people’s voice.”
The protest was organized by a coalition of youth groups, civil society activists, and opposition parties demanding an overhaul of Togo’s electoral system and term limits for the presidency. Togo has been under the rule of the Gnassingbé family since 1967.
The government has not released an official statement on the incident, though the Ministry of Security has previously warned that unauthorized protests would be considered a threat to public order.
Human rights groups are calling for an immediate investigation and for international organizations to intervene. Amnesty International’s West Africa office posted on X (formerly Twitter):
“The use of water cannons against peaceful protesters in Togo is unacceptable. Authorities must respect the right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.”
This event follows a series of protests earlier this year that were similarly suppressed. Analysts warn that without dialogue, tensions may continue to rise in a country already grappling with economic hardship and political fatigue.
BBNN will continue to monitor developments in Togo and provide real-time updates as the situation unfolds.