The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has expressed deep concern over the recent wave of deadly protests in Togo, marking its first official reaction to the violent clashes that left at least seven people dead and dozens injured between June 26 and 28.
In a carefully worded statement posted to its official X (formerly Twitter) account on the evening of July 1, the ECOWAS Commission addressed the deteriorating political and social climate in the Togolese Republic, urging all parties to exercise restraint and commit to peaceful dialogue.
“In the interest of social cohesion, the ECOWAS Commission calls for restraint and urges all stakeholders to favour dialogue,” the statement read, issued simultaneously in English and French.
The regional body further added, “ECOWAS remains available to contribute to efforts to preserve social peace in the Togolese Republic,” signaling its willingness to act as a mediator should tensions escalate further.
The remarks come after several days of silence from the organization as violent anti-government protests erupted across major cities in Togo, with civil unrest escalating into deadly confrontations between demonstrators and security forces.
According to human rights groups and local media reports, the clashes claimed the lives of at least seven civilians during a three-day span from June 26 to 28. Dozens more were reportedly injured, and an unknown number arrested following a crackdown by law enforcement agents aiming to suppress the nationwide unrest.
Eyewitness accounts describe scenes of chaos in Lomé and other urban centers, where heavily armed riot police and gendarmes were deployed in large numbers to disperse crowds demanding sweeping political reforms and an end to what many describe as dynastic rule under President Faure Gnassingbé.
The protests, which had been simmering for weeks, first gained momentum in early June, as citizens took to the streets to express growing frustration over the rising cost of living, limited political freedoms, and what they view as an entrenched culture of authoritarianism.
At the heart of the anger is President Faure Gnassingbé, who has been in power for nearly 20 years. He assumed office in 2005 following the death of his father, Gnassingbé Eyadéma, who ruled Togo for a staggering 38 years. The family has, in effect, controlled the West African nation for over five decades.
Opposition leaders and civil society actors accuse the current administration of clamping down on dissent and monopolizing power through constitutional manipulations and electoral irregularities. Critics argue that President Gnassingbé’s hold on power has been artificially extended through controversial reforms, including changes to term limits and the structure of parliamentary authority.
“The people of Togo are no longer willing to remain silent while the same regime continues to dominate every aspect of their lives,” said one protester, who spoke to Africa Live News under anonymity for fear of retaliation. “We are tired of economic hardship, tired of political deception, and tired of repression.”
Human rights organizations have also sounded the alarm over what they describe as the Togolese government’s increasingly heavy-handed response to peaceful protest. Videos circulating on social media showed security forces firing tear gas and rubber bullets into crowds, with some unverified footage allegedly showing live rounds being used.
Despite the brutal response, demonstrations have persisted in some parts of the country, particularly in districts where youth-led organizations have gained traction. Protesters have continued to call for President Gnassingbé’s resignation, sweeping electoral reforms, and accountability for the deaths and injuries caused during the police crackdown.
As the situation teeters on the brink of further escalation, regional stakeholders are calling for calm. ECOWAS, known for its role in conflict mediation across West Africa, has now taken a public stance, albeit cautiously, urging the parties to de-escalate tensions through dialogue rather than confrontation.
Political analysts say the late timing of ECOWAS’s response may be a reflection of the complex geopolitical dynamics within the region, where long-serving leaders often have deep ties across neighboring states.
“The ECOWAS Commission’s measured tone is not unusual in cases involving incumbent heads of state,” said Dr. Emmanuel Kwabena, a West African political analyst based in Accra. “There’s always the challenge of navigating sovereignty while still pushing for democratic norms. But the delay in responding has raised concerns about whether the body is doing enough to protect citizens in member states.”
Meanwhile, civil society groups in Togo continue to demand justice for the victims and call on international organizations, including the African Union and United Nations, to intervene and ensure that state violence is addressed transparently.
“We cannot build a peaceful society without accountability,” said Afi Gbogbo, a human rights advocate based in Lomé. “People have died. Families are grieving. And the government cannot be allowed to move forward as if nothing happened.”
As of now, the Togolese government has yet to issue a comprehensive public statement acknowledging the fatalities or announcing an independent investigation into the use of force by police. Instead, state media has emphasized the role of “outside agitators” and defended the security response as necessary to maintain public order.
With pressure mounting both internally and from the regional bloc, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether dialogue can truly take root—or whether the unrest will spiral into a deeper crisis.
For now, ECOWAS’s call for restraint and mediation remains a glimmer of hope in a nation struggling to reconcile its political past with the demands of a frustrated and determined population.
As tensions continue to simmer, one thing is clear: the people of Togo are no longer willing to suffer in silence.
