LOMÉ – Togo is on edge after security forces arrested former Defence Minister Marguerite Gnakadé, the sister-in-law of President Faure Gnassingbé and one of his fiercest critics. She was picked up at her home in Lomé on Wednesday after publicly urging the military to stand with citizens demanding an end to the Gnassingbé family’s six-decade grip on power.
Police sources told AFP that Gnakadé was accused of “serious acts, including inciting the military to rebellion.” Local media, however, reported that plainclothes operatives stormed her residence without a warrant — a claim the government has yet to respond to.
Her arrest comes at a time when Togolese streets are boiling with anger. Protests demanding democratic change have intensified since May, after a controversial new constitution handed Gnassingbé sweeping powers under the role of President of the Council of Ministers, a position with no term limits. Civil rights groups say at least seven protesters have been killed in recent weeks, their bodies later found in rivers around Lomé — allegations the government denies.
Gnakadé, who made history as one of Togo’s first female defence ministers between 2020 and 2022, has recently written fiery essays calling for “a peaceful, inclusive transition.” She also joined opposition-led demonstrations, making her a prime target for the regime. Judicial sources suggest prosecutors are weighing charges that could see her face 10 to 20 years in jail.
Opposition coalition Touche Pas A Ma Constitution slammed the arrest as “abuse of power,” while youth movement M66 has issued a 72-hour ultimatum for her release, threatening nationwide protests if ignored. “Togolese are fed up with the silencing of dissident voices,” said M66 leader Mokonzi, vowing to continue demonstrations regardless of government crackdowns.
For now, Gnakadé’s detention has not only deepened the political crisis but also exposed cracks within the armed forces, with whispers that some soldiers are uneasy about the treatment of a woman who once fought to improve their welfare. The coming days may determine whether her arrest becomes the spark that inflames Togo’s simmering anger into full-blown revolt.
