Togo to tighten control of online speech ^{CEFR B2}

Togo’s authorities announced a tougher approach to online speech after large protests in June 2025 that were organised in part via social media and supported by the Togolese diaspora. Protesters used platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat and X to exchange messages. President Faure Gnassingbé, who has been in office since 2005, leads a country of more than 9.5 million people.

Since June the government has repeatedly disrupted internet access, and many online media outlets stopped working or now require Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to reach users. On October 3, 2025, public prosecutor Talaka Mawana said the state would increase control of what he termed "social media misuse," warning that anyone who produces, reproduces, broadcasts, publishes or shares content outside the legal framework will face criminal prosecution. He added that users who "like" or comment in favour of unlawful content could also be prosecuted, citing laws such as the new Penal Code, the Children’s Code, the Cybersecurity and Cybercrime Law, the Press and Communication Code and the Personal Data Protection Law.

The media regulator HAAC told journalists on October 7 to verify facts, cross-check social network material and preserve citizens’ dignity and public order. HAAC listed behaviours to avoid, including privacy breaches, attacks on reputation, incitement to racial, ethnic or religious hatred, praise of crimes or terrorism, abusive comments and disclosure of defence secrets. International watchdogs, including Freedom House reports for 2024 and 2025, describe freedom of expression in Togo as extremely limited. Civil society figures called the new stance censorship; Emmanuel Elolo Agbenonwossi warned that punishment alone could increase mistrust and lead to more fake accounts and urged more education. With internet penetration above 66.56 percent, it remains unclear how authorities will reduce online activity or enforce the new rules in practice.

• The tougher approach follows similar moves elsewhere in the region, including a July 2025 case in Côte d'Ivoire where Topkah Jean Japhet was sentenced and fined for a social media comment.