Togo: one year after jacques koami koutoglo’s death, the shadow of political unrest lingers

Exactly twelve months ago, on 26 June 2025, Togo was scarred by a tragic episode during a wave of nationwide protests that gripped the nation. The day witnessed the loss of Jacques Koami Koutoglo, a 15-year-old boy whose untimely demise has left an indelible mark on public consciousness. Eyewitness accounts and testimonies from his relatives suggest his body was recovered from a nearby lagoon in the aftermath of the unrest.

a nation’s grief and unanswered questions

The passing of a minor in such circumstances has amplified concerns over the conduct of security forces during civil mobilisations. For many citizens, his death epitomises the human toll exacted by prolonged political tensions and the recurring cycle of violence that has periodically disrupted Togo’s stability. The incident has since become a focal point for debates on accountability and the protection of fundamental rights in times of dissent.

denial of remembrance: compounding the tragedy

Following Jacques Koami Koutoglo’s burial, his family sought to hold a memorial service on the 40th day of his passing, scheduled for 8 July 2025. However, authorities reportedly denied permission for the ceremony, a decision that struck a deep blow to his loved ones. To many in Togo, such an obstruction represents not only an affront to grieving families but also a violation of the basic right to mourn with dignity.

In a country where political divisions run deep, the refusal to allow a family to honour their child underscores broader concerns about civil liberties and the state’s role in mediating public grief. For the relatives of Jacques, the denial has only deepened their sense of injustice, turning personal sorrow into a shared national outrage.

a call for truth and justice

A year on, the memory of Jacques Koami Koutoglo endures as a rallying cry for truth and accountability. His name is now inextricably linked to calls for independent investigations into the violence that erupted during the June 2025 demonstrations. Citizens and advocacy groups continue to demand clarity on the circumstances surrounding his death, as well as the identification and prosecution of those responsible.

Without such measures, many argue, Togo cannot hope to achieve genuine reconciliation. The unresolved fate of Jacques and others like him stands as a stark reminder of the consequences when state power is exercised without sufficient oversight. His case has become a symbol of the broader struggle for justice, where the loss of even a single young life demands a reckoning.