Latest news with #securityForces
Al Arabiya
12 hours ago
- Politics
- Al Arabiya
Togo Rocked by Protests Over Reforms That Could Extend President Gnassingbé's Rule
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 earlier 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. Gnassingbé'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 Lomé'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.
Associated Press
12 hours ago
- Politics
- Associated Press
Togo rocked by protests over reforms that could extend President Gnassingbé's rule
Updated [hour]:[minute] [AMPM] [timezone], [monthFull] [day], [year] 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.
Washington Post
12 hours ago
- Politics
- Washington Post
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.
Washington Post
2 days ago
- Politics
- Washington Post
Clashes break out in Togo's capital as protesters call for the president's resignation
LOME, Togo — Clashes broke out between protesters and security forces in several parts of Togo's capital Lomé on Thursday, as President Faure Gnassingbé faced increasing pressure from critics over recent changes in the constitution that could effectively keep him in power indefinitely. A heavy police presence could be seen throughout the capital, where many businesses remained closed. Hundreds of protesters set up concrete block barricades in several neighborhoods of Lomé, with some burning tires and throwing projectiles at security forces.
New York Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- New York Times
What to Know About the Antigovernment Protests in Kenya
Thousands of people took part in protests against police brutality and government corruption in cities across Kenya on Wednesday. The protests, expressing disenchantment with President William Ruto, were marked by clashes with security forces that left at least eight dead and hundreds injured. The demonstrations were held to mark the first anniversary of mass anti-tax protests during which 60 died and dozens were abducted by Kenyan police. While it is not clear whether the current protests will be as big as last year's, some experts say the pressure on the Kenyan government has led to some changes. Here is what to know about the protests in Kenya. Where are the protests taking place? Demonstrations broke out in various Kenyan cities, but the largest groups were in the capital, Nairobi. Businesses and banks in the city center were closed as the police fired tear gas at protesters waving Kenyan flags. Security forces barricaded the president's office and Parliament with razor wire and closed off major routes to the buildings. Last year, protesters briefly set the entrance of the legislature on fire. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
