Two dead in clashes with security forces in Togo

LOME: Two people were killed as opposition supporters clashed with security forces in Togo’s capital, Lome, on Saturday, the government said, after protests were stopped elsewhere in the country.

A statement read on national television said the two bodies were found in quick succession in the Agoe Zongo area of the city at about 1:00 pm (1300 GMT).

“The first body was that of a young man aged about 17. He had an open wound in his left eye indicating a bullet entry wound. The second body, of a man aged about 30, showed no trace of bullet wounds,” it added.

The government, which had earlier said the first victim was a young child, said it appeared unidentified gunmen in a black 4x4-type vehicle were shooting in the area.

A search is under way for the vehicle.

Four members of the security forces were injured and 28 protesters were detained, it added.

The opposition also said there were two deaths as well as several injured.

“We’ve been told a third person died but we don’t have any confirmation yet. We’ll give a detailed update tomorrow,” opposition coalition spokesman Eric Dupuy told AFP.

A coalition of 14 opposition political parties this week announced a series of 10 new protests in the run-up to parliamentary elections planned for December 20. — AFP