Togo: Rapper arrested for denouncing poor governance

June 12, 2025

Togolese rapper Aamron (Tchala Essowè Narcisse) was arrested on May 26, 2025, after criticizing the government of President Faure Gnassingbé through social media videos and his music. The artist had been vocal about poor governance, social injustice, and abuse of power in Togo, particularly through his Facebook and TikTok platforms where he called for youth mobilization. His arrest has sparked widespread condemnation from political parties, civil society organizations, religious leaders, and activists who demand his release and view this as part of a broader pattern of suppressing freedom of expression in Togo, despite constitutional guarantees protecting such rights.

Who is affected

Aamron (Tchala Essowè Narcisse), the Togolese hardcore rap artist
Koffi H. Sitsopé Sokpor ("Affecti"), a poet and cyber activist detained for social media posts
Political prisoners involved in the "Tiger Revolution" affair from 2019
Togolese citizens whose freedom of expression is restricted
Togolese youth who were the target audience of Aamron's mobilization efforts
Aamron's family, including his 14-year-old daughter who spoke out following his arrest

What action is being taken

The Dynamics for the Majority of the People (DMP), a coalition of political parties and civil society organizations, is demanding the unconditional release of Aamron and other prisoners
The National Alliance for Change (ANC) is condemning the arbitrary arrest and warning the government against continued injustice
The Episcopal Conference of Togo (CET) is calling on authorities to engage in sincere dialogue
Online support campaigns for the artist are growing across social media platforms
Civil society actors, politicians, and religious figures are issuing public appeals for Aamron's release

Why it matters

The arrest represents a violation of Article 25 of Togo's Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression
It highlights the ongoing human rights violations in Togo, as documented in the 2024 Amnesty International Report
The case exemplifies the pattern of arbitrary arrests and detentions under President Gnassingbé's 20-year rule
The situation reflects broader sociopolitical tensions in a country where citizens have deplored economic conditions according to the Afro Barometer study
The arrest has united various opposition groups, civil society organizations, and religious institutions in criticism of the government

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: Global Voices