Togo Government Blames "Troublemakers" for Unrest, Citing Disinformation and Foreign Interference
Lomé, Togo – The Togolese government has issued a stern condemnation of the recent unrest that has gripped parts of the country, attributing the disturbances to a calculated campaign of disinformation and manipulation orchestrated by individuals and groups seeking to destabilize the nation. In a press statement released on Sunday, June 29, 2025, the presidency accused certain political and civil society actors, labeled as "troublemakers," of exploiting vulnerable youth and inciting them to engage in acts of vandalism, destruction of property, and violence against individuals. The government alleges that these actors leveraged social media platforms to disseminate false information and manipulated images, some even purportedly generated through artificial intelligence or imported from unrelated contexts, to sow discord and disrupt socio-economic life.
The statement further claimed that several individuals, including foreign nationals who allegedly entered the country illegally, have been apprehended in connection with the unrest. The government vowed to hold all those involved accountable, emphasizing that legal proceedings have been initiated against the instigators, principals, and perpetrators of the disinformation campaigns. International cooperation will be sought to ensure that those responsible are brought before competent courts. The government underscored its unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting fundamental freedoms while firmly addressing any attempts to undermine national stability.
The recent unrest comes amidst simmering tensions over constitutional reforms that have drawn criticism from opposition groups and civil society organizations. These critics argue that the reforms are designed to pave the way for President Faure Gnassingbé to extend his rule indefinitely. Gnassingbé inherited the presidency in 2005 following the death of his father, Gnassingbé Eyadéma, who had ruled Togo for 38 years. The president’s recent appointment as President of the Council of Ministers, a position without a fixed term limit, has further fueled these concerns. While the government maintains that the reforms are aimed at modernizing the political system and enhancing governance, opponents view them as a thinly veiled attempt to consolidate power.
The government’s press statement also addressed the discovery of bodies in Lake Togo and the lagoon in Bè, incidents that sparked widespread speculation and contributed to the escalating tensions. The statement clarified that forensic investigations had determined the cause of death in both cases to be drowning, effectively debunking rumors of foul play. Authorities expressed concern that these tragic incidents were manipulated and exploited by those seeking to incite further unrest and distrust in the government.
The government’s response to the unrest has been met with mixed reactions. While some observers commend the government’s efforts to maintain order and hold those responsible for violence accountable, others express concern about potential restrictions on freedom of expression and assembly. Human rights organizations have called for restraint in the use of force by security forces and urged the government to ensure that any arrests and prosecutions are conducted in accordance with due process and international human rights standards. They have also emphasized the importance of addressing the underlying grievances that have fueled the protests, including concerns about political reform and socio-economic inequality.
The situation in Togo remains tense, with the potential for further unrest. The government’s strong stance against the protests and its commitment to prosecuting those involved signals a determination to maintain control. However, the underlying political tensions and socio-economic challenges that contributed to the unrest remain unresolved. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, urging all parties to engage in dialogue and seek peaceful solutions to the current crisis. The coming days and weeks will be crucial in determining whether Togo can navigate this period of instability and move towards a more inclusive and democratic future.