TOGO SUSPENDS FRANCE 24 AND RFI FOR THREE MONTHS AMID POLITICAL UNREST
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
Togo’s media regulator on Monday announced the suspension of French news outlets Radio France Internationale (RFI) and France 24 for three months, accusing both broadcasters of spreading “inexact and tendentious” information.
The High Authority of Audiovisual and Communication (HAAC) stated that recent coverage by the media organizations contained “inaccurate, biased, and factually incorrect” content that threatened national stability and damaged the country’s image.
The suspension comes in the wake of a wave of anti-government protests that shook the capital, Lomé, earlier this month. Demonstrators responded to calls from popular rapper Aamron real name Essowe Tchalla, who urged citizens to protest rising electricity prices, the arrest of activists, and controversial constitutional changes.
Police dispersed the protests with tear gas on the night of June 5, arresting dozens. While authorities claim over 50 detainees have since been released, several individuals remain in custody.
Aamron, who was arrested on May 26, reappeared in a video 10 days later, apologizing to President Faure Gnassingbé and claiming to be receiving psychiatric care for “severe depression.” His appearance fueled further public suspicion and outrage, intensifying calls for civil resistance.
Opposition parties, including the National Alliance for Change (ANC) and Democratic Forces for the Republic (FDR), have called on President Gnassingbé to step down. In a joint statement with civil society groups, they demanded a return of power to the people and announced plans for civil disobedience starting June 23.
Despite a protest ban in place since 2022 following a deadly attack at Lomé’s main market, the opposition insists the regime is “illegitimate” and urges citizens to defy the restriction through nonviolent resistance.
The Togolese government has yet to respond to the opposition’s demands.
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