The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders has called on Togo to release Abdoul Aziz Goma, a Togolese-Irish human rights defender, from prison. This plea comes on the seventh anniversary of Goma’s arrest, emphasizing his deteriorating health and urging the government to leverage mechanisms within the Togolese Criminal Procedure Code, which allows for the conditional release of prisoners who have served at least half of their sentence, or consider clemency due to his health condition. Read more.
Abdoul Aziz Goma’s ordeal began in 2018 when he was arrested in Lomé for providing shelter to young protesters. Despite not participating in the demonstrations, his association with the protestors led to multiple charges, including undermining national security. His arrest highlights issues of due process, as his case saw significant delays, and he faced grave human rights abuses such as secret detention and lack of medical care.
During his incarceration, Goma experienced severe health issues, including progressive neurological damage and reduced mobility. Reports describe conditions in Lomé Civil Prison as inhuman, with overcrowding, physical abuse, electric shocks, and denied medical treatment being prevalent issues. The head of Africa’s rights group, Isidore Ngueuleu, who visited Goma, reported “unspeakable abuse”.
Controversies surrounding Goma’s imprisonment are compounded by broader criticisms of Togo’s recent political reforms. In early 2024, the country transitioned from a presidential to a parliamentary system. Critics argue these changes were designed to extend President Faure Gnassingbé’s power, who has been in office for nearly two decades. Togo’s government continues to face accusations of suppressing dissenting voices, with incidents involving press freedom violations ranking high among international concerns. More information is available in the Reuters coverage.
The European Parliament issued a resolution in September 2025, appealing for Goma’s immediate medical assistance and release. The resolution underlines that arbitrary detentions and the torture of political opponents undermine Togo’s rule of law and democratic governance. This resolution echoes longstanding concerns from international human rights bodies about the country’s trajectory under the current administration.
Mary Lawlor, the UN Special Rapporteur, alongside other UN experts, has consistently addressed these human rights infringements, emphasizing Togo’s obligations under international law. Despite international pressure, Togo’s authorities remain under scrutiny as the demand for Goma’s release gains global traction. Detailed information about Togo’s legal and human rights challenges can be further explored in the BBC report.