Former Togo defence minister, Marguerite Gnakade, was on Wednesday arrested at her residence following weeks of mounting criticism of President Faure Gnassingbé’s government.
Gnakade, who served between 2020 and 2022, is the sister-in-law of the Togolese leader. In recent months, she had become one of the most outspoken voices against his administration, penning opinion pieces and urging him to step down.
A senior police source told reporters that her arrest was linked to “serious acts, including her recent public remarks inciting the military to rebellion.”
Local news outlet, Republic of Togo, citing security officials, confirmed that she was being questioned by the authorities.
Last month, Gnakade wrote: “Keeping Faure Gnassingbé in power any longer will change nothing. He must responsibly resign to make way for a peaceful, inclusive, and national transition, aimed at rebuilding our country.”
Her arrest has sparked outrage among opposition figures and civil society groups. The “Don’t Touch My Constitution” coalition, comprising activists and opposition parties, condemned the action, alleging that heavily armed and hooded security operatives carried out the operation without a warrant.
“This is yet another abuse of power designed to silence dissent,” the coalition said in a statement. “The Togolese people no longer accept this governance of fear.”
Public anger has been growing in Togo over rising living costs and political repression. On August 30, Gnakade was stopped by security forces while attempting to join a protest organised by bloggers and artists. Earlier, in June, at least seven people were reported killed during several days of demonstrations against constitutional changes and the arrest of government critics.
