In Togo, former Defense Minister Marguerite Gnakadé was arrested at her home in a residential district of Lomé. The arrest, reported among others by local media, comes amid growing speculation about her political activities. Gnakadé is the sister-in-law of President Faure Gnassingbé.
According to a police spokesperson, Gnakadé had in recent days openly sided with activists and opposition members critical of the government, even calling on the military to overthrow it. She was also accused of having ties to exiled opposition figures. Should these charges lead to prosecution and conviction, she could face 10 to 20 years in prison. According to BBC reports, there was “widespread unease in the barracks … against her arrest,” as she had done much during her time as defense minister to improve the living and working conditions of soldiers.
In recent months, she had published articles criticizing Gnassingbé, calling on him to resign and make way for a “peaceful, inclusive, and national transition.” She had also supported protests against his leadership.
There are growing fears that this move by the Togolese government could further escalate political tensions in the country. The opposition groups Touche Pas A Ma Constitution (Don’t Touch My Constitution) and the youth-led movement M 66 have demanded her immediate and unconditional release, along with all others imprisoned for their political views. They declared this to be further proof of the regime’s “reactionary practices aimed at silencing dissenting voices.” The groups announced they would call for nationwide demonstrations if her release is not granted.