According to the CIVICUS Monitor, civic space in Togo is rated as “repressed”. The detention of a journalist and trade unionists and the suspension of a newspaper are examples of civic space violations in Togo, highlighting the deterioration of civic freedoms in the country. In 2023, freedom of expression continues to be violated as reported cases include censorship and suspension of media outlets, intimidation, arrests, imprisonment, and defamation allegations against journalists.  

Civic rights have been backsliding in Togo since the crackdown on anti-government protests in 2017-2018 to demand a return to the 1992 constitution which included a two-term presidential limit. Since then, civic space violations include killing protesters, arresting and prosecuting human rights defenders, journalists and pro-democracy activists, and banning civil society and opposition protests. Also of concern is the adoption of restrictive legislation such as the 2018 Cybersecurity Law and the 2019 modification of this law, which places limits on organising peaceful meetings and protests.

For more information about the country, visit: https://monitor.civicus.org/country/togo/ 

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