Enough is enough! Six decades under the monarchical dictatorship of a medieval dynasty, the Togolese people have had enough.
On 6th June 2025, Togo vibrated to the sound of the struggle for freedom and dignity. At the call of militant artist Aamron, thousands of Togolese took to the streets to demand the immediate departure of Faure Gnassingbé, the autocratic president and heir to a dynastic regime that has stifled any hope of change for two decades. Despite the internment of Aamron, described as ‘mad’ by a desperate and out-of-control government, the people made their voices heard, determined not to sacrifice their future on the altar of tyrannical power.
Togo today is the scene of a tragedy in which a single family, the Gnassingbé family, has dictated political life for too long. Gnassingbé Eyadema ruled for 38 years with an iron fist, and his son Faure has continued this legacy with chilling persistence for 20 years, maintaining the tyranny through endless electoral tactics. And to crown it all, he has carved out for himself, by constitutional sleight of hand, a presidency for life in Togo. The decision to have the Executive elected by an assembly largely won over to its cause reveals the inability of this regime to legitimize its power through the ballot box, leaving the people in deep disgust at the façade of democracy.
That was the last straw!
The protest on 6th June, despite the repression and threats, demonstrated that the Togolese people are not prepared to be intimidated. They repeated their refusal to be held hostage by the current system, and calls for a new protest on 26th, 27th and 28th June multiplied, reflecting the ardent desire to overthrow what has become a starving and dictatorial regime. The success of these days was memorable.
Instead of listening to the cries of its people, the authorities opted for violence. The bloody repression that followed, resulting in the death of 7 protesters, reveals a brutality without name. But this only serves to encourage people to fight even harder. Togo, a country rich in resources and human potential, does not deserve to be ruled by an oligarchy indifferent to the aspirations of its people. The planned and forthcoming protests are a symbol of resistance in the face of injustice. These people, bruised but not broken, will continue their fight until total victory over the autocracy. The voice of every Togolese resounds like a cry of hope in the dark night of the Gnassingbé regime.
In these stormy times, we call on all progressive and democratic forces to come together, amplify our voices and support the Togolese people in their quest for freedom, dignity and justice. The road ahead is long, but world history teaches us that no tyranny has lasted forever. The days ahead will make history, and as Togo moves towards democracy, it will write the chapters of a reconquest of a new destiny. Togo, on its feet and united, will not allow its dreams to be crushed under the boots of unjust repression. We are the people, and we are determined. Say goodbye to dictatorship and long live freedom!
Togo on its feet! Let’s fight without fail!
