Former defence minister Marguerite Gnakadé, a prominent critic of Togo’s long-serving leader Faure Gnassingbé, has been arrested in Lomé, security sources confirmed.
Gnakadé, who is also the sister-in-law of President Gnassingbé, recently urged the military to side with the people and end decades of dynastic rule.
“She was arrested for serious acts, including her recent public appearance inciting the military to rebellion,” a police source told AFP. Local media reported that she was taken from her home in the capital by security officers.
Gnakadé, widow of Ernest Gnassingbé (the president’s late elder brother), served as defence minister from 2020 to 2022, becoming one of the first women to hold the sensitive portfolio. In recent months, she has published critical articles, calling for Gnassingbé’s resignation and urging a “peaceful, inclusive, and national transition.”
Her arrest comes amid mounting protests demanding the president’s exit and the release of political prisoners. Demonstrations have escalated since a controversial constitutional reform created a new role — President of the Council of Ministers — allowing Gnassingbé to retain power without term limits. He was sworn into the position in May.
Civil society groups and opposition parties swiftly condemned the arrest. The coalition Touche Pas A Ma Constitutiondenounced the move as an abuse of power, saying it was carried out by “hooded officers without a warrant.”
Youth-led movement M66 has given authorities a 72-hour ultimatum to release her or face renewed nationwide protests. “Togolese people are fed up with arrests of dissident voices,” said Mokonzi, one of the group’s leaders.
A security source told the BBC there was “general discomfort in the barracks” over her detention, noting that Gnakadé was respected for improving soldiers’ welfare during her time as minister.
Reports suggest Gnakadé may face charges linked to alleged contacts with exiled opposition leaders and attempts to stir disobedience within the armed forces. Judicial sources indicate she could face 10 to 20 years in prison if convicted.
Her arrest adds to tensions in a country already shaken by deadly protests. In June, at least seven demonstrators were killed during clashes with security forces, according to rights groups. The government denied the deaths were connected to the unrest.
As the opposition mobilizes and pressure mounts, the coming days are expected to reveal whether Gnakadé’s detention further ignites resistance or consolidates the government’s grip on power.
