The Togolese government has issued international arrest warrants against leaders of the M66 Citizens’ Movement, a group of bloggers and activists behind nationwide protests in June 2025.
Demonstrators rallied against rising living costs, the detention of public commentators, and controversial constitutional reforms, including the appointment of President Faure Gnassingbé as President of the Council of Ministers under the new parliamentary system.
Authorities confirmed the warrants at a press briefing on July 9 in Lomé, with Security Minister Calixte Madjoulba stating that investigations were ongoing to apprehend the organisers, who are reportedly based abroad.
The government has accused the M66 of inciting unrest and described their protest calls as acts of subversion and terrorism. Despite a crackdown that included social media restrictions and reported fatalities during the June protests, opposition voices continue to grow louder.
The government insists that local elections scheduled for July 17 will proceed, dismissing opposition demands for a delay.
The M66, however, has called for renewed demonstrations on July 16 and 17. Civil society groups report at least seven deaths and multiple arrests during the earlier protests, prompting a judicial inquiry into the fatalities.
