The government of Togo has issued international arrest warrants for leaders of the M66 Citizens’ Movement, a collective of bloggers and activists who organised anti-government protests in June 2025. The demonstrations, held on the 6th, 26th, 27th, and 28th of June, were aimed at protesting the rising cost of living, arrests of public commentators, and recent constitutional reforms that shifted the country from a presidential to a parliamentary system.
The M66 protests also called for the resignation of President Faure Gnassingbé, who now serves as President of the Council of Ministers under the new governance structure.
At a press conference in Lomé on Wednesday, July 9, Togolese authorities confirmed that arrest warrants had been issued against the M66 organisers, many of whom are believed to be living abroad. According to Minister for Security, Calixte Madjoulba, active investigations are underway to locate and apprehend the individuals, with international cooperation expected from the countries in which they reside.
Government officials accused the movement of inciting unrest and manipulating citizens to destabilise the country. Minister of Territorial Administration, Colonel Hodabalo Anate, labelled the protests as subversive acts bordering on terrorism, arguing that calls for unauthorised demonstrations were not legitimate expressions of democracy.
Despite the heavy government crackdown, including the shutdown of certain social media platforms, opposition to the current administration has continued to grow. Civil society organisations reported at least seven deaths and multiple arrests during the June demonstrations, which were met with violent dispersals by security forces.
Political analysts suggest that the arrest warrants are part of a broader strategy to silence dissent rather than engage in national dialogue. Some critics argue that rather than suppressing civic activism, the government should open channels of communication with youth-led movements and other stakeholders.
In response to public criticism, Togolese authorities have launched a judicial inquiry into the deaths that occurred during the protests. Nonetheless, they have insisted that local elections scheduled for July 17, 2025, will proceed as planned, brushing aside demands from opposition parties for a postponement.
The M66 movement, undeterred by the threats, has called for renewed protests on July 16 and 17, one day before the elections. Tensions continue to rise as the political standoff intensifies ahead of the polls.
