Internet access has been severely restricted in Togo amidst protests against the current president, Faure Gnassingbé. He became president after the death of his father, Gnassingbé Eyadema, who ruled Togo for 38 years. Protesters want Gnassingbé to step down since being in power since 2005.
Demonstrations took place in many cities; the decision by the government to propose a constitutional change to bring about a two-years presidential term-limit of two did not dissuade the protestors. Many protesters feeling that it is a ploy to extend Gnassingbé’s rule. As a result, internet speeds are slow and access to social media platforms have been limited.
Government Spokesperson, Gilbert Bawara, told a local radio station that there was an ongoing internet restriction. “Even in most developed countries, authorities take control of telecommunications in some cases,” he said. Though mobile internet has been shut down in the capital, Lome, wi-fi networks are said to still be working.
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