A former defence minister and fierce critic of Togo’s president, Marguerite Gnakadé, has been arrested after urging the military to help end the country’s decades-long family rule.
Gnakadé, sister-in-law of President Faure Gnassingbé and widow of his elder brother Ernest, was seized from her home in Lomé on Wednesday. Police accused her of “inciting rebellion” and of links with exiled opposition figures.
She served as defence minister between 2020 and 2022 but has recently published articles demanding Gnassingbé resign and allow a “peaceful, inclusive transition.”
Her detention comes amid protests triggered by constitutional changes that installed Gnassingbé as head of the Council of Ministers, the most powerful state office with no term limits.
Opposition coalition Touche Pas A Ma Constitution condemned the arrest as an “abuse of power,” while youth group M66 has threatened mass demonstrations unless she is freed within 72 hours.
At least seven protesters were killed in June during a crackdown on anti-Gnassingbé rallies, rights groups say.
If convicted of destabilising the military, Gnakadé could face up to 20 years in prison.
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