A former defence minister and vocal critic of Togo's government, Marguerite Gnakadé, has been arrested, according to security sources.
Gnakadé, the sister-in-law of long-serving leader Faure Gnassingbé, recently called for his resignation and urged the military to stand with the people in ending decades of dynastic rule.
She was arrested for serious acts, including her recent public appearance inciting the military to rebellion, a police source told the AFP news agency. Local media reported she was arrested by security forces at her home in the capital Lomé on Wednesday.
Togo has recently been gripped by deadly protests calling for Gnassingbé to resign and release political prisoners.
The protests came amid popular anger and growing weariness with a family-run regime that has been in power for six decades. Gnassingbé, who has led the country since 2005, succeeded his father Gnassingbé Éyadéma, who had ruled for 38 years from 1967.
A new constitutional structure that allowed Gnassingbé to prolong his hold in power while shifting to a new role as President of the Council of Ministers further fuelled the protests.
Gnakadé has written articles criticizing Gnassingbé, advocating for a peaceful, inclusive, and national transition and supporting protests against his leadership.
Her arrest has gone viral on social media, with many demanding her immediate release. Gnakadé is currently being questioned, facing serious charges that could lead to imprisonment if found guilty.
On Wednesday, opposition parties and civil society group Touche Pas A Ma Constitution condemned her arrest, asserting it was an abuse of power aimed at silencing dissenting voices.
A youth-led movement known as M66 has issued a 72-hour ultimatum for her release, warning of nationwide demonstrations if their demand is not met.
This incident adds to a troubling history of civil unrest in Togo, where protests against the leadership have previously resulted in significant violence.
