Violence and Dissent: Togo's Protests Unveiled

Human rights groups have reported that seven individuals were killed during anti-government protests in Togo last week. The protests, which sought to demand the resignation of President Faure Gnassingbe amid economic discontent, saw security forces accused of excessive force.

A coalition of 12 Togolese civil society and human rights organizations has accused security personnel of carrying out arbitrary arrests and violently assaulting civilians. The groups also reported the discovery of multiple bodies in Lome, drawing further scrutiny on the government's actions.

While the government acknowledged the recovery of bodies from water bodies, it attributed the deaths to drowning and urged caution near water areas. The unrest highlights ongoing political tensions in Togo, where President Gnassingbe has recently taken a powerful new role.

(With inputs from agencies.)