4 killed in Togo protests against Eyadema oligarchy

Four persons have been killed and dozen others injured in violent protests in Lome and other parts of Togo over the prolonged rule of the Gnassingbe Eyadema family.

The military high command, in an address to the nation on Saturday night, put the death toll at four, adding that dozen others were injured in the incidents.

Thousands of residents had thronged the streets of Lome and Sokode on Saturday to protest against the Eyadema oligarchy, even as they called for constitutional reforms that will terminate the dominance of the family in the West African country’s leadership.

A statement from the Security Ministry, further said apart from the civilian casualties, 12 gendarmes were also wounded in the confrontation, even though the military failed to disclose the number of fatalities within the force.

The protesters clad in red colours of the opposition party, PNP marched through the streets of Lome, chanting and singing. They were chanting “50 years is too long,” as they called for constitutional reforms to dismantle the perpetuity of the Eyadema family dynasty.

Security forces reportedly opened tear gas to disperse them, injuring scores of the protesters in the process.

The leader of the opposition party, PNP, Tikpi Atchadam had told reporters, “We are protesting against the arbitrary nature of governance and demanding the freedom to assemble.”

But a similar protest in the town of Sokode, north of the capital resulted in skirmishes between the demonstrators and Togolese forces, as the latter used live bullets on the civilians.

Reports indicate that calm has returned to Lome, even though there was a heavy military presence in the city on Sunday.

The Eyadema family has ruled Togo for 50 years since its independence. The father, Gnassingbe Eyadema, ruled the country for 38 years after taking over power in 1967. Faure Gnassingbe Eyadema took over in 2005 after his father’s death.

The younger Eyadema has been in power since 2005. He was re-elected president in April, 2015 for a third term, in an election described as free and fair. Opposition had dissented complaining that there was no level playing ground for them.