“Simply unacceptable”: Catholic Bishops in Togo Denounce Police Brutality after Killing of Seven in Protests

Lome, 02 July, 2025 / 10:54 PM

Members of the Episcopal Conference of Togo (CET) have denounced police brutality against protesters, who they say took to the streets to demand the resignation of the country’s President, Faure Gnassingbé, following constitutional changes that could extend his rule indefinitely.

In a statement they released following their 139th ordinary session, the CET members weigh in on the June 26-28 protests in Togo’s Capital, Lomé, which claimed at least seven lives with reported massive destruction of property.

“Having followed with deep concern, distress, and sadness the painful events that marked the days of June 26, 27, and 28, in light of acts of unprecedented gravity, we strongly condemn these unacceptable and intolerable acts of violence, regardless of their origin, perpetrators, or justification,” they say in the statement shared with ACI Africa on Wednesday, July 2.

CET members fault the manner in which the police handled the protesters, saying, “Such a disproportionate use of force to suppress a protest—even if illegal—is simply unacceptable.”

“We call on the perpetrators of these reprehensible acts to undergo conversion. Let them not forget that the cries of the innocent are lamentations that rise up to God. We reaffirm the sacredness of every human life and the inalienable dignity of the human person,” they add.

In the statement that their president, Bishop Benoît Alowonou of Kpalimé Diocese, signed, CET members explain that the trivialization of fundamental principles of human life, which they say underpin every religion, culture, and civilization, may “inevitably lead to chaos.”

Reuters reported June 27 that the police dispersed hundreds of protesters in Lomé using tear gas and batons as demonstrators blocked roads and set up barricades, burning tires and furniture, demanding the resignation of the country’s president.

According to a June 28 Associated Press report, armed plainclothes men were seen patrolling opposition neighbourhoods and alleged security forces entering homes, assaulting civilians, and looting.

According to media reports, the protests erupted after President Gnassingbé assumed the newly empowered role of President of the Council of Ministers, a position with no term limits—an act described by opposition leaders as a “constitutional coup”.

In efforts to quell the protests, reports further indicate that the Internet restrictions were put in place on June 26. However, protests reportedly persisted into a second day amid calls by civil society and social media influencers for a three-day demonstration campaign.

In their statement, Togo’s Catholic Bishops, who denounce “obstinate distortion of truth” also commiserate with the families of those who lost their loved ones during the the protests.

“The obstinate distortion of truth and the effort to make falsehood appear true constitute a form of moral violence that breaks social cohesion. Let us come to our senses out of reverence for God and love for our Nation,” CET members say.

They add, “We bow respectfully before the memory of all our compatriots who lost their lives in this wave of violence and extend our sincere condolences to their grieving families.”

Wishing for the “swift recovery” of the wounded, the Catholic Bishops in Togo urge leaders, political actors, members of the defense and security forces, and opinion leaders to show responsibility, restraint, and genuine commitment to building the West African nation.

“We urge you to continue praying without losing heart, so that God may have mercy on us. Yes, ‘Our help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth’ (Ps 121:2); He is our shield. May He touch the hearts of all Togolese,” CET members say, referring to Togo’s National Anthem.

By praying, CET members say, “we will respond to the call of our National Anthem: 'Togolese, arise, let us build the nation.’ In hope that does not disappoint (cf. Rom 5:5), we implore God’s blessing upon our beloved country and all its inhabitants.”