Togo: repressed political commitment

Arrest and detention conditions¶

The CACIT observed a huge amount of arrests and arbitrary detentions stemming from mass random arrests of hundreds of people. In total, 560 people were arrested and detained at a national level. Fifty-three of them are still in custody.

Numerous cases of cruel, inhumane, and degrading treatment were reported during mass arrests and incarcerations. On August 19th and 20th, 2017, 36 people were arrested in Lomé for taking part in protests of the opposing party.

The report states “From the time they were arrested to the time they were imprisoned, the people were mistreated and intimidated. They were handcuffed and beaten with batons, whips, and Rangers (military boots). They were given nothing to eat for 24 hours and had no visitors.”

Legal procedures¶

The collective denounces the summary proceedings and the judging conditions of collective trials. Some of the defendants did not have access to a lawyer throughout the whole duration of the procedure.
The report also describes the arrest and detention of human rights defenders Some of them were detained for several months under various charges of disseminating false news and images.

Impunity¶

The CACIT particularly denounces the absence of measures taken by authorities against proven violations. “The authorities did not open any official investigation, including an investigation to establish the circumstances and responsibilities for the violation and infringement of fundamental rights during this period. They deduce a denial of justice for the victims, including deceased servicemen and women.”

In a press release from 11 June 2018, the CACIT condemned that none of the investigations previously announced by the government had ever taken place. These investigations were supposed to look into deaths resulting from operations commissioned by the authorities. The CACIT referenced several deaths in November 2014 and February 2017. They also touched on the death of young Louis Anoumou on June 8th, 2018 who passed away from lethal bullet wounds. To this day, no investigations into these cases have taken place.

The collective is putting pressure on the Togolese government to carry out “independent, thorough, credible, transparent, and fair investigations into human rights violations.” The international community, political actors, and civil society were recommended to increase awareness, vigilance, and joint efforts in order to promote human rights and civil liberties.

To see the complete rapport.