A powerful wave of discontent is building in Togo as the country approaches June 6, a date now set by young activists and civil society as a day of mass protest against rising repression, economic hardship, and poor governance.
The immediate trigger: the recent arrest of outspoken artist Aamron (real name Tchala Essowè Narcisse), taken from his home late at night on May 26 in what opposition figures and human rights groups have denounced as an illegal and politically motivated act. But what began as outrage over one arrest has quickly turned into a broader movement.
On TikTok and other social media platforms, young Togolese influencers are speaking out — boldly and visibly. Their videos denounce the high cost of living, youth unemployment, and what they call the authoritarian drift of the regime. Calls for mobilization on June 6 have gone viral, with some netizens even voicing their anger directly on President Faure Gnassingbé’s official TikTok page.
What’s different this time is the sharp rejection of traditional political parties. Many youth are insisting that this protest is theirs alone.
“Tell the political parties to stay out of the Aamron case. They’ll ruin it. Let the youth handle it,” wrote former MP Gerry Taama on Facebook. Civil society actor Dany Ayité echoed the sentiment: “Political leaders, remove your party symbols from this. Let your militants just be Togolese citizens for once.”
Renowned writer David Kpelly agreed, saying opposition parties should not leave their “fingerprints” on the current wave of protests.
Only one political figure, MP Brigitte Adjamagbo-Johnson, has tried to join the movement — but her video call to action on TikTok was swiftly rejected in the comments: “Madam, this time, let us do it ourselves.”
As the clock ticks toward June 6, one key question remains: Who will submit the official protest authorization request to a government known for routinely banning anti-government demonstrations ?
“No parties this time”: Togolese youth to lead their own revolt on June 6
