Consumer rights organisations in Togo have criticised the government for imposing internet and social media restrictions following last month’s fatal protests, describing the move as a violation of civil liberties.
Speaking to AFP on Friday, Emmanuel Sogadji, president of the Togolese Consumers’ League (LCT), confirmed that access to online platforms has been curtailed since June 26, raising concerns over freedom of expression.
“Since June 26, Togolese authorities have been restricting access to the internet and social media. This constitutes a serious infringement of freedom of expression,” Sogadji said, calling on the government to reverse the restrictions.
The online curbs were introduced after widespread protests broke out in the capital, Lomé, in response to electricity price hikes, the arrest of political critics, and controversial constitutional changes seen as consolidating President Faure Gnassingbé’s long-standing grip on power.
Civil society groups and opposition figures say at least seven people were killed during the demonstrations, with many more injured and over 60 arrested.
The Togolese Consumers Association (ATC) also voiced alarm, noting that many citizens were struggling to use platforms such as WhatsApp, YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok. They warned the disruptions had sparked “deep concern among consumers.”
The London-based internet watchdog NetBlocks confirmed that access to Facebook, TikTok, and Telegram has been restricted for at least three days since the end of June.
Neither the Togolese government nor the country’s two major telecommunications providers, Moov and Yas Togo, have publicly addressed the situation.
Requests for comment from AFP had gone unanswered by Friday afternoon.
Togo has previously faced legal scrutiny over such actions. In 2017, the regional court of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) ruled that internet shutdowns in the country violated citizens’ rights.
