The human rights situation in Togo has deteriorated in recent months, with a wave of arrests, enforced disappearances, torture, and restrictions on civic space targeting human rights defenders, including youth activists, artists and content creators.
One of the most emblematic cases is that of René Missode Koffi, known as “A votre avis”, a popular content creator who has amplified the voices of Togolese youth demanding justice and democratic change. He was abducted while livestreaming on social media during peaceful protests, subjected to torture, and later detained on politically motivated charges, without adequate access to health care. In August, after launching a movement calling for justice for political prisoners, he was removed from prison by men in civilian clothes and forcibly disappeared for several day during which he was held at the SCRIC (Criminal investigation unit) , before being returned to Lomé Civil Prison. Since September 15, “A votre avis” has joined the hunger strike initiated by human rights defender Aziz Goma and other political prisoners.
These abuses form part of a wider crackdown on peaceful mobilisations. In June 2025, mass demonstrations against constitutional reforms and worsening living conditions were met with violent repression. Security forces used excessive force, arbitrarily arrested at least 130 people, including defenders and journalists, and subjected at least 21 detainees to torture and ill-treatment. Journalists were also intimidated, with media workers forced to delete footage of protests. To date, RFI and France 24, have not been allowed to resume work in Togo, despite the fact that their three-month suspension period has ended.
Meanwhile, the authorities imposed targeted internet disruptions, deliberately blocking or slowing access to social media platforms such as Tiktok, Facebook, YouTube, Telegram, and Signal. These restrictions severely hampered the ability of defenders and civil society to document and report abuses.
Youth activist Foly Satchivi, who has long campaigned for democracy and accountability, was arrested after publishing videos encouraging peaceful protest. He remains in pre-trial detention, facing charges often used to criminalise dissent including “spreading false news”, “disturbing public order” and “inciting revolt”. Artists and cultural figures have also been targeted: the poet Honoré “Affectio” Sokpor is still arbitrarily detained, while rapper Narcisse “Aamron” Tchalla was held for months in a psychiatric facility where he suffered torture and ill-treatment.
The repression has continued with the arrest of young activists Armand Agblézé and Oséi Agbagno, members of the movement “Tournons La Page Togo”. Both were detained after helping to organize the 30 August demonstration, during which protesters were prevent from participating with their homes surrounded by armed forces. Marguerite Gnakadè, former Minister of the Armed forces who called for this peaceful demonstration was also arrested by the police on 17 September.
These cases illustrate a broader pattern: civic space in Togo is shrinking dramatically. Peaceful assembly and freedom of expression are increasingly criminalised, internet shutdowns are weaponised to silence dissent, and defenders face arbitrary detention, torture, and enforced disappearance.
