At least 27 political detainees held in Lomé’s civil prison have launched an indefinite hunger strike to protest what they call “arbitrary detention” and to demand their immediate release. The protest began on November 8 and has intensified in the last 48 hours, according to a press release issued on November 10, 2025.
The movement was initiated by Goma Abdoul Aziz, an Irish citizen of Togolese origin detained since December 2018, and Koumayi Grâce, a midwife and human rights advocate.
“We are beginning this hunger strike not out of despair, but out of conviction. When justice goes silent, our bodies become our final cry,” wrote Goma, calling for freedom “for all political prisoners in Togo without exception.”
They have now been joined by 25 other detainees, including several activists identified in the release: “Today, 25 more political prisoners at Lomé’s civil prison announce they are joining the first two… to denounce arbitrary detention, torture, unfair trials, and the persistent denial of justice in Togo.”
Health concerns and international pressure
Goma Abdoul Aziz’s imprisonment has already been condemned by the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, which recognized the political nature of the charges against him. His health has “seriously deteriorated since 2021,” yet no humanitarian measures have been taken, the statement says.
Despite a “historic resolution” adopted by the European Parliament on September 10–11, 2025, calling for his “immediate and unconditional release,” activists say there has been no meaningful response from Togolese authorities.
Koumayi Grâce — reportedly subjected to repeated acts of torture while in detention — joined the hunger strike from a hospital where she is currently being treated.
Human Rights groups call for urgent action over the hunger strike
The hunger strike has triggered a renewed appeal from the Togo Rights & Freedom Network – UK, the organization behind the statement. The group urges:
1 – The Togolese government to “immediately end arbitrary detention… and impunity.”
2 – The ECOWAS Court of Justice to enforce its prior rulings.
3 – EU institutions and the Republic of Ireland to provide emergency consular and humanitarian assistance.
4 – International human rights organizations to “urgently activate their alert and intervention mechanisms.”
The collective describes the hunger strike as a “form of non-violent resistance” in response to what they say is a legal and political deadlock in the country.
Background: a justice system under scrutiny
The press release denounces a trial held on February 3, 2025, as “manifestly unfair, without credible evidence, and with no respect for the right to defense.” Several of the other detainees have reportedly been held for years without trial.
Togolese authorities have not yet publicly commented on the ongoing hunger strike.
The Togo Rights & Freedom Network – UK, working “in coordination with the Collective of Prisoners of Conscience in Togo,” says it will monitor the prisoners’ health and issue daily updates on the situation
