Focus on Africa Deaths after anti-government protests in Togo
Jun 30, 2025
Dani Komla Aida, a political analyst and member of the Togolese Civil Society in the diaspora, teams up with Philip Rengens, a law and politics professor at the University of Antwerp, to discuss the recent deadly anti-government protests in Togo. They dissect the unsettling realities of political repression, highlighting the impact of social media amidst government crackdowns. The conversation also draws parallels with Rwanda's political landscape, shedding light on the complexities of dissent and the fight for civil liberties in the region.
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Togo's Power Centralization Insight
- Togo's constitutional overhaul shifts power from direct presidential elections to a parliamentary system controlled by the ruling party.
- This effectively centralizes executive power within President Faure Gnassingbé's family and weakens true political opposition.
Economic Hardship Fuels Protests
- Economic hardships like unemployment and high living costs drive youth protests in Togo.
- People compare themselves to neighbors like Ghana and Benin, demanding better governance and opportunities.
Use Social Media Strategically
- Activists use social media and diaspora bloggers to organize protests, evading traditional political party involvement.
- They adapt strategies as governments block platforms to sustain momentum.
