Latest news with #FaureGnassingbé


Al Etihad
an hour ago
- Politics
- Al Etihad
UN welcomes Democratic Republic of Congo-Republic of Rwanda peace agreement signing
28 June 2025 16:01 NEW YORK (AGENCIES)THE UN Chief welcomed the signing of a peace agreement on June 27 in Washington, DC, by the governments of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of Rwanda, facilitated by the United States.'This Agreement is a significant step towards de-escalation, peace and stability in the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Great Lakes region. I commend the United States for its leadership in facilitating this process, in coordination with the State of Qatar and the African Union Mediator, his Excellency, Faure Gnassingbé of Togo. "I acknowledge the contributions of the five co-facilitators designated by the East African Community and the Southern African Development Community,' he said in a statement.'I urge the parties to honour in full the commitments they have undertaken in the Peace Agreement and pursuant to Security Council resolution 2773 (2025), including the cessation of hostilities and all other agreed measures,' he added. 'The United Nations, including through the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, remains fully committed to supporting the implementation of the agreement, in close coordination with the African Union, regional and international partners.'


Arab Times
5 hours ago
- Politics
- Arab Times
Togo rocked by protests over reforms that could extend Gnassingbé's rule
LOME, Togo, June 28, (AP): Protesters and security forces clashed for a second straight day on Friday in Togo's capital Lomé over recent constitutional reforms that could cement President Faure Gnassingbé's long hold on power. Videos emerged showing apparent abuses by security forces. Police fired tear gas in several neighborhoods of Lomé and reportedly used batons to beat protesters, severely injuring some, according to footage that appears to be from the scene. Some videos showed what seem to be security units entering homes and assaulting residents with whips and clubs, while groups of men in plain clothes, believed to be auxiliary forces or self-defense units, patrolled parts of the capital with weapons in hand. "We strongly condemn the violence with which unarmed protesters have been met,' Professor David Dosseh, spokesman for a coalition of a dozen civil society groups, told The Associated Press. Internet access across the West African nation has been restricted, with social media platforms functioning intermittently. Civil society groups and social media influencers had called for protests on June 26, 27 and 28, after the government's clampdown on protests early this month. Faure Gnassingbé, who has ruled since 2005 after the death of his father, was sworn in in May as President of the Council of Ministers. The powerful role has no official term limits and he is eligible to be re-elected by Parliament indefinitely. Gnassingbe's former job as national president, a position that is now mostly ceremonial, was given to politician Jean-Lucien Kwassi Savi de Tove after the announcement. Opposition politicians have denounced the move as a "constitutional coup.' Demonstrations are rare in Togo because they have been banned in the country since 2022 following a deadly attack at Lome's main market. But the latest change in government structure has been widely criticized in a region threatened by rampant coups and other threats to democracy.

11 hours ago
- Politics
Togo rocked by protests over reforms that could extend President Gnassingbé's rule
LOME, Togo -- Protesters and security forces clashed for a second straight day on Friday in Togo's capital Lomé over recent constitutional reforms that could cement President Faure Gnassingbé's long hold on power. Videos emerged showing apparent abuses by security forces. Police fired tear gas in several neighborhoods of Lomé and reportedly used batons to beat protesters, severely injuring some, according to footage that appears to be from the scene. Some videos showed what seem to be security units entering homes and assaulting residents with whips and clubs, while groups of men in plain clothes, believed to be auxiliary forces or self-defense units, patrolled parts of the capital with weapons in hand. 'We strongly condemn the violence with which unarmed protesters have been met,' Professor David Dosseh, spokesman for a coalition of a dozen civil society groups, told The Associated Press. Internet access across the West African nation has been restricted, with social media platforms functioning intermittently. Civil society groups and social media influencers had called for protests on June 26, 27 and 28, after the government's clampdown on protests early this month. Faure Gnassingbé, who has ruled since 2005 after the death of his father, was sworn in in May as President of the Council of Ministers. The powerful role has no official term limits and he is eligible to be re-elected by Parliament indefinitely. Gnassingbe's former job as national president, a position that is now mostly ceremonial, was given to politician Jean-Lucien Kwassi Savi de Tove after the announcement. Opposition politicians have denounced the move as a 'constitutional coup.' Demonstrations are rare in Togo because they have been banned in the country since 2022 following a deadly attack at Lome's main market.


Hamilton Spectator
15 hours ago
- Politics
- Hamilton Spectator
Togo rocked by protests over reforms that could extend President Gnassingbé's rule
LOME, Togo (AP) — Protesters and security forces clashed for a second straight day on Friday in Togo's capital Lomé over recent constitutional reforms that could cement President Faure Gnassingbé's long hold on power. Videos emerged showing apparent abuses by security forces. Police fired tear gas in several neighborhoods of Lomé and reportedly used batons to beat protesters, severely injuring some, according to footage that appears to be from the scene. Some videos showed what seem to be security units entering homes and assaulting residents with whips and clubs, while groups of men in plain clothes, believed to be auxiliary forces or self-defense units, patrolled parts of the capital with weapons in hand. 'We strongly condemn the violence with which unarmed protesters have been met,' Professor David Dosseh, spokesman for a coalition of a dozen civil society groups, told The Associated Press. Internet access across the West African nation has been restricted, with social media platforms functioning intermittently. Civil society groups and social media influencers had called for protests on June 26, 27 and 28, after the government's clampdown on protests early this month. Faure Gnassingbé, who has ruled since 2005 after the death of his father, was sworn in in May as President of the Council of Ministers . The powerful role has no official term limits and he is eligible to be re-elected by Parliament indefinitely. Gnassingbe's former job as national president, a position that is now mostly ceremonial, was given to politician Jean-Lucien Kwassi Savi de Tove after the announcement. Opposition politicians have denounced the move as a 'constitutional coup.' Demonstrations are rare in Togo because they have been banned in the country since 2022 following a deadly attack at Lome's main market. But the latest change in government structure has been widely criticized in a region threatened by rampant coups and other threats to democracy. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .


Winnipeg Free Press
16 hours ago
- Politics
- Winnipeg Free Press
Togo rocked by protests over reforms that could extend President Gnassingbé's rule
LOME, Togo (AP) — Protesters and security forces clashed for a second straight day on Friday in Togo's capital Lomé over recent constitutional reforms that could cement President Faure Gnassingbé's long hold on power. Videos emerged showing apparent abuses by security forces. Police fired tear gas in several neighborhoods of Lomé and reportedly used batons to beat protesters, severely injuring some, according to footage that appears to be from the scene. Some videos showed what seem to be security units entering homes and assaulting residents with whips and clubs, while groups of men in plain clothes, believed to be auxiliary forces or self-defense units, patrolled parts of the capital with weapons in hand. 'We strongly condemn the violence with which unarmed protesters have been met,' Professor David Dosseh, spokesman for a coalition of a dozen civil society groups, told The Associated Press. Internet access across the West African nation has been restricted, with social media platforms functioning intermittently. Civil society groups and social media influencers had called for protests on June 26, 27 and 28, after the government's clampdown on protests early this month. Faure Gnassingbé, who has ruled since 2005 after the death of his father, was sworn in in May as President of the Council of Ministers. The powerful role has no official term limits and he is eligible to be re-elected by Parliament indefinitely. Gnassingbe's former job as national president, a position that is now mostly ceremonial, was given to politician Jean-Lucien Kwassi Savi de Tove after the announcement. Opposition politicians have denounced the move as a 'constitutional coup.' Demonstrations are rare in Togo because they have been banned in the country since 2022 following a deadly attack at Lome's main market. But the latest change in government structure has been widely criticized in a region threatened by rampant coups and other threats to democracy.