Togo: Media Under Siege, Protests Crushed Ahead of Elections

Amnesty International has condemned Togo's crackdown on dissent, including the suppression of media and the prevention of peaceful protests. The report raises concerns about the country's upcoming parliamentary elections amidst a proposed constitutional amendment that could extend the president's rule.

Togo's political climate has become increasingly oppressive, marked by the suppression of media and the quashing of peaceful protests, according to a damning report by Amnesty International. The report, published ahead of parliamentary elections scheduled for April 29, reveals a pattern of human rights violations that undermines the democratic process in the country.

Amnesty International reported that the Togolese government has targeted the media, silencing critical voices. Two newspapers, L'Alternative and Liberté, were forced to close for several months last year. Journalists who have dared to report on corruption and government misconduct have faced arrests and hefty fines.

In one chilling example, two journalists were sentenced to three years in prison after they exposed the involvement of a minister in corruption. Both journalists fled the country to avoid imprisonment. The report also documented cases of journalists being harassed and intimidated by security forces.

The government has also made it extremely difficult for civilians to exercise their right to peaceful assembly. Opposition figures and civil society activists have been arrested and detained ahead of the elections. Protests have been violently dispersed, with security forces using excessive force against protesters.

The upcoming parliamentary elections are being held under a shadow of concern about a proposed constitutional amendment. The amendment would scrap presidential elections permanently and give parliament the power to choose the president. The opposition and religious leaders fear that this move is a ploy by President Faure Gnassingbe to extend his rule beyond 2025, when his current term expires.

The repression of dissent and the proposed constitutional amendment have raised fears that Togo is sliding towards dictatorship. President Gnassingbe has been in power since 2005, and his family has ruled the country for nearly six decades. The opposition and civil society groups have warned that the current political environment is threatening Togo's democratic institutions.

Amnesty International's report also documented allegations of torture and mistreatment of detainees in Togo's prisons. The organization cited instances where detainees were beaten, subjected to electric shocks, and denied medical attention.

The Togolese government's actions have drawn condemnation from international human rights organizations. Amnesty International has called on the authorities to respect the rights of citizens to freedom of expression, assembly, and fair trial.

As Togo prepares for parliamentary elections, it is crucial that the government respects the democratic rights of its citizens. The suppression of media, the quashing of protests, and the allegations of torture must be investigated and the perpetrators held accountable. The international community must continue to monitor the situation in Togo and support the efforts of human rights defenders to ensure that the country's democratic aspirations are not stifled.