The International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), along with the Human Rights League (LDH) and a coalition of Togolese lawyers, has called for urgent international action following what it describes as “massive and coordinated human rights violations” during recent anti-government protests in Togo. The organizations announced they are considering referring the case to the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate crimes committed by Togolese authorities.
In a joint statement, the rights groups accused the regime of President Faure Gnassingbé of unleashing both state forces and pro-government militias to violently suppress demonstrations held on June 6, 26, 27, and 28 in Lomé. The protests, organized by the emerging civic group “Mouvement du 6 Juin” (M66), were sparked by growing discontent over economic hardship, political repression, and a controversial constitutional change that extends the president’s power indefinitely.
The reported toll includes seven deaths — among them a minor — along with hundreds of injuries and arrests. Victims and witnesses also allege cases of abduction, torture, and summary executions.
“This crackdown is not only a grave violation of basic rights but also part of a wider pattern of systemic violence and impunity,” the organizations stated, adding that they are “ready to alert the ICC Prosecutor to investigate crimes before, during, and after the contested 2005 presidential election.”
They also condemned the government’s June 29 communiqué praising the “professionalism” of the security forces, calling it “a chilling signal of state-sponsored violence.”
The FIDH, LDH, and their legal partners are demanding the immediate release of all political detainees, and are urging the United Nations to launch an international, independent investigation. They also called for the dismantling of regime-backed militias and suggested that targeted sanctions could be imposed on high-ranking officials.
“Given the ongoing crisis and the silence of regional institutions, it is time for international justice to step in,” the groups concluded, calling on the UN to support the Togolese people’s aspiration for democratic change.
Meanwhile, the Togolese government has announced that international arrest warrants have been issued against key members of the M66 movement, accusing them of inciting unrest. Undeterred, the group is now calling for another series of protests on July 16 and 17, aimed at blocking the government from holding municipal elections scheduled for the 17th. The protesters’ main demand remains unchanged: the resignation of President Faure Gnassingbé, who has ruled Togo since 2005, following the 38-year reign of his father, Gnassingbé Eyadéma.
ICC urged to investigate bloody crackdown on protesters in Togo
