Why the World Should Not Ignore Togo’s Political Crisis


 

Why the World Should Not Ignore Togo’s Political Crisis
(Published: February 2020) by Komlan Eyram Mensah Dossou

In the heart of West Africa lies a country too often ignored by international headlines: Togo.

Yet beneath the surface of calm that the government projects, lies a deeply rooted political crisis —

one that has stolen the futures of millions.

For decades, the Gnassingbé family has ruled Togo with an iron grip. And though the world celebrates

democratic gains elsewhere, Togo remains an outlier.

In 2020, Faure Gnassingbé secured yet another term in office through elections marred by irregularities,

voter intimidation, and suppression of the opposition.

As an activist and advocate for democratic reform, I, Komlan Eyram Mensah Dossou

, call on the global community to stop turning a blind eye. Silence is complicity.

Why does Togo matter? Because every life matters.

Because every citizen deserves the right to vote in free and fair elections.

Because oppression anywhere threatens justice everywhere.

The people of Togo have marched in the streets, raised their voices, risked everything —

yet their cries go unheard beyond our borders.

The African Union and ECOWAS have been shamefully silent.

Western governments offer weak condemnations — if any. Aid continues to flow. But at what cost?

We need more than words. We need pressure. We need visibility. We need solidarity.

Just as the world supported the fight against apartheid in South Africa, it must support the people of Togo today.

I urge activists, journalists, and human rights organizations: come, see, and speak.

Shine a light on the regime. Amplify the voices of the oppressed. Togo is not just a country.

It is a frontline in the global battle for dignity and democracy.

The world ignored Rwanda. It ignored Syria. Will it ignore Togo too?

I speak not only as an activist, but as a son of Togo. A believer in its people.

And I refuse to stop speaking — until the world listens.

                              
                                                       Komlan Eyram Mensah Dossou


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