Togo president’s sister-in-law arrested after opposing family rule

Marguerite Gnakadé, a former Defence Minister of Togo and outspoken critic of President Faure Gnassingbé, has been arrested by security operatives, according to local reports. 

Her detention follows a series of public calls demanding the president’s resignation and appeals to the armed forces to support citizens in resisting the Gnassingbé dynasty, which has governed Togo for more than 50 years.

A police officer told AFP that “she was arrested for serious acts, including her recent public appearance inciting the military to rebellion.” She was reportedly picked up from her home in Lomé on Wednesday.

The arrest comes against the backdrop of continuing anti-government demonstrations. Protesters have been demanding the release of political detainees and an end to Faure Gnassingbé’s extended rule, which began in 2005 after the death of his father, Gnassingbé Éyadéma, who had led the country since 1967.

Anger intensified after recent constitutional amendments gave Faure Gnassingbé a new role as President of the Council of Ministers the state’s most powerful office, with no term limits. He was sworn into that position in May.

Over recent months, Gnakadé has published articles urging Gnassingbé to step aside for “a peaceful, inclusive, and national transition,” while also voicing her support for ongoing demonstrations.

Gnakadé, who is the widow of Ernest Gnassingbé (the late elder brother of the president), was Defence Minister between 2020 and 2022 and one of the first women to hold the role.

News of her arrest has spread widely online. She is now being interrogated, with speculation linking the charges to her alleged contacts with exiled opposition members and supposed efforts to stir dissent among soldiers.

A source told the BBC that the arrest has not been universally welcomed within the military, noting: 

“general discomfort in the barracks with some people against her arrest, because she helped to improve working and living conditions of soldiers when she was the defence minister.”

If prosecutors pursue allegations of undermining military stability, judicial sources say Gnakadé could face between 10 and 20 years in prison.

Civil society organisations and opposition groups have denounced the arrest. Touche Pas A Ma Constitution, a coalition of opposition parties and activists, said in a statement: 

“Once again, this is an abuse of power that characterises the regime's retrograde practices. The aim is to silence a dissenting voice.” The group added that the arrest was carried out by “hooded” security agents without a warrant, demanding her immediate and unconditional release.

Youth activists under the M66 banner have issued a 72-hour ultimatum for her release, threatening to mobilise mass protests if the government fails to comply. 

“Togolese people are fed up with [the] arrests of dissident voices. What is worse is that [Gnakadé] is a former defence minister and the Togolese armed forces are there doing nothing... The movement is not going to give up despite all the threats,” said Mokonzi, one of the leaders.

Earlier in June, at least seven people were killed during clashes between protesters and security forces, according to rights groups, though the government denies the fatalities were linked to the demonstrations.