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

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.

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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.”

Silas Mwale Isenjia is a Kenyan journalist with a great zeal and interest for Catholic Church related communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communication from Moi University in Kenya. Silas has vast experience in the Media production industry. He currently works as a Journalist for ACI Africa.