The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has broken its silence on the escalating political crisis in Togo, issuing a statement late Monday calling for restraint and inclusive dialogue following a wave of anti-government protests that left at least seven people dead between June 26 and 28.

The protests, which erupted in Lomé and other cities, were sparked by constitutional reforms that critics say consolidate the power of Faure Gnassingbé, who has ruled the country since 2005 following the death of his father, Gnassingbé Eyadéma.

The reforms, passed in April, created a Council of Ministers headed by Gnassingbé with no term limits, effectively allowing him to remain in power indefinitely.

In its statement, ECOWAS expressed deep concern over the violence and urged all parties to prioritize social cohesion. “The ECOWAS Commission calls for restraint and urges all stakeholders to favour dialogue,” the communiqué read. The regional body also reaffirmed its readiness to assist in efforts to preserve peace and stability in the Togolese Republic.

The protests were largely youth-led and organized through social media platforms under the banner of “Hands Off My Constitution”, a coalition of civic groups and opposition parties.

Demonstrators cited not only the constitutional changes but also rising living costs, media repression, and lack of democratic accountability as reasons for mobilization.

Security forces responded with tear gas, batons, and mass arrests. Eyewitnesses reported the presence of militiamen in unmarked vehicles, and Amnesty International has documented allegations of torture and ill-treatment of detained protesters.

The Global Security for Africa Research and Good Governance (GLOSARGG) has called for urgent intervention by ECOWAS and the African Union, warning that the situation could destabilize the broader West African region.

The group recommended a transitional dialogue, suspension of the constitutional reforms, and deployment of a regional peace and governance monitoring mission.

Togo’s government has yet to respond to ECOWAS’s statement. Meanwhile, opposition leaders continue to demand Gnassingbé’s resignation and the restoration of democratic norms.

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