France's Security Cooperation with Togo Under Scrutiny Amid Controversial Elections
Togo's recent elections and France's security cooperation draw international scrutiny amid political repression.
Key Points
- • Togo's municipal elections held on July 17 with heightened security.
- • Prior protests in June resulted in significant violence and seven fatalities.
- • France maintains a defense partnership with Togo despite concerns over repression.
- • French opposition voices criticize France's support for the Gnassingbé regime.
On July 17, 2025, Togo held its municipal elections with heightened security measures, which occurred without any major incidents despite prior warnings of potential protests against the government. This political climate follows recent violent confrontations surrounding the elections, linked to rising living costs and a controversial constitutional reform that allows President Faure Gnassingbé to extend his time in power without limits. Precautionary measures included the preemptive arrest of opposition leaders, reflecting the tense atmosphere that has overshadowed the electoral process.
The municipal elections were seen as a crucial test for the Gnassingbé regime, especially after mass protests in June that resulted in the deaths of at least seven people, according to civil organizations. Government accounts recognized five deaths but attributed them to drowning incidents during protests. In response, opposition groups such as the Movement of June 6 (M66) called for demonstrations, highlighting ongoing grievances regarding political repression and economic challenges.
Amid these concerns, France's continued partnership with Togo—established through a defense agreement signed in 2011—has garnered criticism. French opposition leaders and anonymous officials have voiced their discontent with France's tacit support for a regime often labeled as authoritarian. They draw parallels to previous instances of violence in Togo, reminiscent of earlier protests that were met with severe crackdowns in 2005 and 2017. The political implications of France's security cooperation with Togo raise questions about its commitment to promoting democracy and human rights within the region, especially as the international community watches to see how it will navigate these contentious dynamics during Togo's electoral and socio-political shifts.
In summary, while the municipal elections concluded without significant unrest, the underlying issues of government repression and France's role as a defense partner speak to deeper tensions within Togo's political landscape, leaving room for debate about France's foreign policy integrity and its implications for Togolese democracy.