At least seven people have been killed and many more injured following a wave of anti-government protests in Togo’s capital, Lomé, civic groups reported on Sunday. The unrest, which erupted in response to controversial constitutional reforms, has drawn widespread concern amid escalating tensions and allegations of security force brutality.

The demonstrations, which took place on June 26, 27, and 28, were sparked by recent legislative changes that critics say could entrench President Faure Gnassingbé’s hold on power. Gnassingbé, in office since 2005 following the death of his father, was recently sworn in as President of the Council of Ministers — a role without term limits, allowing for indefinite reappointment by Parliament.

Civic groups released preliminary figures indicating that seven protesters were killed during the clashes, with video footage circulating online showing what appeared to be violent crackdowns by security forces. In several neighborhoods of Lomé, police reportedly fired tear gas and used batons on demonstrators, with some sustaining severe injuries.

Social media platforms have been intermittently disrupted, and internet access across Togo has been restricted since the protests began — a move seen by critics as an attempt to stifle dissent and limit coverage of the demonstrations.

Opposition leaders have denounced the constitutional changes as a “constitutional coup,” accusing the government of undermining democracy in a region already facing instability from coups and authoritarian backsliding.

The national presidency, now a largely ceremonial post, has been assigned to Jean-Lucien Kwassi Savi de Tove. The shift has raised concerns both within Togo and internationally, with critics saying the reforms are designed to allow Gnassingbé to continue exercising executive power without being subjected to democratic checks.

Demonstrations remain rare in Togo due to a nationwide protest ban imposed in 2022 following a deadly attack at Lomé’s central market. Despite the risk, civil society organizations and prominent online figures called for this latest round of protests, signaling growing frustration among the populace.

The government has yet to release an official statement addressing the casualties or responding to accusations of excessive force.