Togolese authorities have escalated their crackdown on dissents by issuing international arrest warrants for key figures of the M66 Citizens’ Movement, a coalition of bloggers and activists behind a wave of anti-government demonstrations last month.
The movement led protests on June 6, 26, 27, and 28, rallying citizens against the rising cost of living, arrests of public commentators, and controversial constitutional changes that transitioned the country from a presidential to a parliamentary system.
The reform appointed President Faure Gnassingbé as President of the Council of Ministers, consolidating his control over executive affairs.
At a press briefing on Wednesday, July 9, Minister for Security, Calixte Madjoulba confirmed that the government would pursue the M66 leaders across borders.
“Investigations are ongoing. Arrest warrants have been issued. Wherever they are, we will pursue them”.
Colonel Hodabalo Anate, Minister of Territorial Administration, accused the movement of inciting subversion and described their actions as terrorism.
“It is terrorism when you invite citizens to engage in gratuitous violence,” he said, condemning the calls for protest as illegitimate and destabilizing.
Despite the government’s firm stance, the M66 has vowed to continue mobilization, calling for renewed protests on July 16 and 17 just ahead of local elections scheduled for July 17.
Authorities have rejected opposition demands for a postponement, insisting the vote will proceed as planned.
The June demonstrations, which faced harsh responses from security forces, resulted in at least seven deaths and numerous arrests, according to civil society watchdogs.
