Anti-government demonstrations in Lome, Togo, led to the deaths of several individuals, with civil society organizations reporting seven fatalities. Protests were triggered by fears of democratic backsliding due to controversial constitutional reforms allowing long-time leader Faure Gnassingbe to potentially retain power indefinitely. Security forces allegedly assaulted protesters using tear gas and batons. Civil society groups condemned the violence and demanded an international investigation. While the government acknowledged the recovery of bodies from water bodies, they claimed the deaths were due to drowning, disputing allegations of culpability from security forces.
"Several people were killed during anti-government demonstrations in Togo's capital, Lome, with civil society groups reporting seven deaths and allegations of security force abuses."
"The organization 'Don't Touch my Constitution' condemned abuses by security forces during the protests and called for an international investigation into the violence."
"Togolese authorities acknowledged recovering bodies from a lagoon and lake but attributed the deaths to drowning, not violence from security forces."
"Recent constitutional reforms position Togo's long-time leader, Faure Gnassingbe, for indefinite power, prompting fears over democratic backsliding and protests against the government."
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