At least seven people were killed and many others injured during three days of mass protests in Togo’s capital, Lomé, as demonstrators called for President Faure Gnassingbé’s resignation and the release of political prisoners. The protests, which began peacefully on Thursday, turned violent over the weekend, with clashes reported in opposition strongholds such as Bè.

Police responded with tear gas as protesters hurled stones and missiles, and engaged in street battles in some neighborhoods.

Disputed Power Shift Sparks Outrage

The unrest follows Gnassingbé’s swearing-in as President of the Council of Ministers—an unelected role with no term limits—further consolidating his family’s grip on power after 58 years of dynastic rule. Tensions were exacerbated by April’s constitutional reform that eliminated presidential elections in favor of a parliamentary system.

The arrest and psychiatric detention of rapper Aamron (Narcisse Essowè Tchalla) earlier in June also galvanized public outrage.

Rights Groups Demand Accountability

A coalition of 23 civic groups denounced what they called the “disproportionate use of force” against peaceful protesters and demanded an official inquiry. “Peaceful protest is a fundamental right, recognized by the Togolese Constitution and international law,” the group declared in a statement.

Though calm had largely returned by Sunday, the government has threatened legal action against protest organizers, accusing them of conducting a foreign-backed disinformation campaign.