Violent Togo protests

The US Department of State warns of recurring political protests throughout Togo. They began in August 2017, with some turning violent, especially in the northern city of Sokodé. Both protesters and security force members have been injured, and some have been killed, during the demonstrations. 

To break up demonstrations that have disrupted traffic in the city and on National Route 1, security forces have used tear gas and arrested protesters. Authorities also have interrupted Internet and cellular data services, making communications difficult and less predictable. There also are reports that government-sponsored vigilantes have used violence and the threat of violence to disrupt protests and intimidate civilians.