Timbuktu Institute – Week 1 – May 2026

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In Togo, the Affectio affair has resurfaced. Honoré Sitsopé Sokpor, known as Affectio, was imprisoned once again on 4 May, just a few months after being placed under judicial supervision. As a reminder, the poet and activist, a critic of the government, was arrested in April for having leaked images of a construction site in the capital, which he allegedly sent to third parties abroad, notably to ‘M66’ or the ‘6 June Movement’, activist groups within the diaspora. These two movements have been active since 2025 during major protests against the government. His first arrest was linked to a poem deemed inflammatory that he had posted on social media. According to his lawyer, “the prosecutor considered that what he did was serious, given that he is under judicial supervision”, although no charges have yet been brought against him. For their part, the opposition and civil society are crying foul and demanding his immediate and unconditional release.

Furthermore, it is worth noting that Affectio’s arrest has heightened political tensions and concerns about civil liberties. The “Don’t Touch My Constitution” front, led by opposition figure Nathaniel Olympio, has called this a “case of persecution.” He is demanding the release of all political prisoners and an end to intimidation. ANC leader Jean-Pierre Fabre echoes this sentiment and condemns these arrests, which he deems arbitrary. He expressed surprise at the circumstances of Affectio’s arrest: “What is the danger in taking photos? Are we in a classified security zone? Is the site where the photo was taken off-limits? Can you take photos at a public construction site?” He believes the detention is unjustified and amounts to nothing more than harassment. This arrest thus further exacerbates Togo’s already tense socio-political climate, while the security situation in the north of the country remains concerning.

Lomé and New Delhi strengthen cooperation on parliamentary governance

On a different note, on Thursday in Lomé, the Minister of Justice and Human Rights, Pacôme Adjourouvi, held talks with the Indian Ambassador to Togo, Sayed Razi Haider Fahmi, regarding prospects for bilateral cooperation on democratic governance and strengthening the functioning of parliamentary institutions. Indeed, India is supporting Togo on its path towards parliamentary maturity. Regarded as one of the “largest and oldest parliamentary democracies”, Gandhi’s country could effectively support Togo in its quest for a parliament worthy of the name. For the Indian official, “in a democracy, Parliament remains the expression of the sovereign aspirations of citizens”. His Togolese counterpart appears keen to exchange best parliamentary practices in order to ensure the desired institutional transformation.