LOME, Togo (AP) — Togo’s government said a planned three-day protest this week over the arrest of opposition figures and new legislation scrapping president elections was illegal, a move that heightened tensions in the West African nation that has been ruled by the same family for almost 60 years.
The interior and security ministries said the protests set to begin Thursday would seriously disturb public order. In a separate notice, the government also delayed parliamentary elections until April 29, pushing the vote back by just over a week.
A spokesman for the opposition behind the planned protest said the coalition was considering whether to move forward with the rallies anyway.
“Whenever they’re in a panic, they’re ready to use any kind of tricks against the opposition,” spokesman Eric Dupuy told The Associated Press. “It doesn’t move us.”
Medics remove 150 MAGGOTS from a woman's mouth after dental procedure left her with rotting tissue
Health Ministry admits failings in handling contracts it awarded to firm with links to Peeni Henare
How directors, distributors and devotees are struggling to keep Hong Kong cinema alive
Tauranga bars to close earlier under booze rule changes
The fightback begins: Boss of London's Queen Mary University tells pro
Olivia Munn's breast cancer diagnosis raising awareness for women to seek additional screening
Hezbollah launches rockets, drones into Israel as US warns Iran
Hezbollah launches rockets, drones into Israel as US warns Iran
'Constantly learning' Imanaga off to impressive start with the Chicago Cubs
Green Party activist puts forward radical manifesto in leadership bid
Rangers are undefeated at .500 to keep World Series champs from a losing record with Bochy
US and UK launch fresh strikes on Houthis in Yemen