Togolese Protests Seeking President Gnassingbé’s Ouster Blocked

Security forces in Togo on Saturday blocked a protest by opposition parties and civil groups against the continued rule of President Faure Gnassingbé and his family, now in its 58th year.

Police and military personnel descended on the streets of the capital, Lomé, to stop people from gathering. Authorities also surrounded the residences of opposition leaders and a former Minister of the Armed Forces Essozimna Marguerite Gnakade, who endorsed the demonstrations, to prevent them from taking part in the march.