The announcement was made on Thursday, as political tensions continue to escalate in the West African country.

Since early June, the movement has mobilised citizens to protest against the administration of President Faure Gnassingbé. The demonstrations have been met with a heavy-handed response by security forces, drawing condemnation from rights groups.

In response, opposition parties and civil society organisations have declared days of national prayer beginning this Friday, to honour those killed during protests held on June 26 to 28. Organisers have also called for a fresh demonstration on Monday.

Amnesty International has urged Togolese authorities to end what it calls the “unnecessary and excessive” use of force against peaceful demonstrators, and to uphold the right to protest.

The Public Prosecutor has meanwhile opened a judicial investigation into the deaths, aiming to clarify the exact circumstances and causes. The case currently targets persons unknown.

Speaking in an interview, Pidénam Sama of the civic organisation Veille Citoyenne Togo said the arrests and violent crackdowns were fuelling further public anger.

“What we are witnessing is a deliberate attempt to silence dissent,” Sama said. “The people are not asking for much, they are asking to be heard, to live in dignity, and to have the right to express themselves without fear of reprisal.”

Sama added that the authorities must be held accountable for the loss of life and the continued targeting of activists.

“There can be no peace without justice. The government must stop treating peaceful protesters as enemies of the state,” he said.

--ChannelAfrica--