Togo has suspended French news outlets Radio France Internationale (RFI) and France 24 for three months. The country’s media regulator, the High Authority of Audiovisual and Communication (HAAC), accused both broadcasters of spreading “inaccurate and biased” content that could harm national institutions and damage the country’s image. The decision follows a series of anti-government protests that rattled the capital city, Lomé.
The protests broke out after rapper Aamron, born Essowe Tchalla, was arrested on May 26 at his home in Lomé. He had been vocal against the government’s recent actions, including arrests of activists, hikes in electricity costs, and changes to the constitution under President Faure Gnassingbé. The president has been in power since 2005, following his father’s death, who led Togo for nearly 40 years.
On June 5 and 6, demonstrators responded to Aamron’s earlier calls for protest, gathering across several neighborhoods. Security forces used tear gas to disperse crowds, and dozens of people were arrested. While over 50 were released shortly after, others remain in custody. Days later, Aamron reappeared in a video apologizing to the president and claiming he had been hospitalized for severe depression.
Authorities described the protests as an attempted revolt, while opposition parties and civil society groups called for mass civil disobedience starting June 23. They argue President Gnassingbé should hand over power to the people, labeling his government illegitimate. Although public gatherings remain permitted, official protests have been banned since 2022 after a deadly incident at Lomé’s main market.
The suspension of the two French broadcasters is expected to raise concerns over press freedom and government transparency as tensions in the country continue to grow.
