Former Togo Defence Minister and outspoken critic of the government, Marguerite Gnakadé, has been arrested in Lomé, security sources confirmed on Wednesday.
Gnakadé, who is the sister-in-law of President Faure Gnassingbé, was taken into custody at her home by security forces. Police sources told AFP that she was arrested for “serious acts, including her recent public appearance inciting the military to rebellion.”
The arrest comes amid weeks of deadly protests demanding Gnassingbé’s resignation and the release of political prisoners. The demonstrations have been fuelled by public frustration with six decades of family rule. Gnassingbé has led Togo since 2005, following the 38-year reign of his father, Gnassingbé Éyadéma.
A new constitutional framework, which allowed the president to transition into the powerful role of President of the Council of Ministers without term limits, has intensified public anger. Gnassingbé was sworn into the post in May.
Gnakadé, widow of the late Ernest Gnassingbé, served as defence minister between 2020 and 2022, becoming one of the first women to hold the position. In recent months, she has published articles urging the president to resign and calling for a “peaceful, inclusive, and national transition.” She also publicly backed anti-government protests.
While she is being interrogated by authorities, reports suggest the charges against her may be tied to alleged links with exiled opposition figures and attempts to encourage dissent within the armed forces. Judicial sources told local media she could face 10–20 years in prison if convicted.
Her arrest has sparked strong backlash. Opposition coalition Touche Pas A Ma Constitution (Don’t Touch My Constitution) denounced the detention, saying it was carried out by “hooded” officers “without a warrant.” The group described the move as “an abuse of power” aimed at silencing dissent and demanded her unconditional release.
Youth-led movement M66 has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the government, threatening mass demonstrations if Gnakadé is not freed. “Togolese people are fed up with arrests of dissident voices… The movement is not going to give up despite all the threats,” said Mokonzi, one of its leaders.
Tensions remain high in Togo, where at least seven people were killed in June during a crackdown on anti-government protests, according to civil rights groups. Authorities, however, denied that the deaths were linked to demonstrations
