Togo’s unconditional backing for the gnassingbé family stirs controversy

The political landscape in Togo has grown increasingly tense, with recent remarks from groups identified as loyalist militias or paramilitary elements sparking sharp reactions across civil society and the opposition. Audio recordings and social media statements feature individuals pledging unwavering support for the Gnassingbé family’s grip on power, even in the face of mass protests.

Loyalist rhetoric crosses republican boundaries

These declarations stand out for their overt rejection of the state’s duty to remain neutral. Speakers explicitly tie their security commitments not to the Constitution or national institutions, but to the survival of a presidential dynasty, adopting what analysts describe as a