ECOWAS Urges Calm Amid Deadly Togo Protests, Offers to Mediate for Peace
At least seven killed in clashes as citizens protest economic hardship and long-standing rule of President Faure Gnassingbé.
- ECOWAS urges restraint after deadly protests in Togo leave at least 7 dead
- Calls for dialogue come amid unrest over high living costs and political power concentration
- ECOWAS offers mediation to help restore peace and preserve social cohesion
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has voiced deep concern over the recent unrest in Togo, urging all sides to exercise restraint following a wave of violent protests.
Between June 26 and 28, demonstrations against President Faure Gnassingbé’s government erupted into chaos, prompting a forceful police crackdown that reportedly left at least seven people dead.
Although ECOWAS initially remained silent as the situation unfolded, the regional body broke its silence on July 1 with a bilingual statement on social media platform X. In it, the Commission appealed for calm and encouraged all involved parties to pursue dialogue in the interest of national unity.
“To safeguard social cohesion, the ECOWAS Commission calls for restraint and urges all stakeholders to engage in dialogue,” the statement read. The organization also reaffirmed its readiness to assist in maintaining peace and stability in Togo.
The unrest began in early June, with citizens rallying against surging living costs and what many see as an entrenched concentration of power under President Faure Gnassingbé.
He has ruled the country for over 20 years, having succeeded his father, longtime leader Gnassingbé Eyadéma.
