Senegal denounces the attack on a deputy on the sidelines of a meeting in Togo

An incident at the heart of a meeting of the Togolese opposition

Senegal officially condemned on Monday, September 30, 2024, the assault of one of its deputies, Guy Marius Sagna, which occurred during an opposition meeting in Togo this weekend. The incident, which quickly made the rounds on social networks, broke out as Mr. Sagna spoke to denounce those who, according to him, were trying to sabotage the meeting.

In a video filmed during the attack, the MP is seen addressing the assembly before the meeting was abruptly interrupted. Great confusion ensued, marked by acts of violence. Another sequence shows Mr. Sagna hospitalized, his left hand bandaged, recounting being beaten with chairs and fists, as were several other participants, including a Togolese MP.

Accusations brought against the Togolese regime

Guy Marius Sagna, leader of the “Front for a Popular and Pan-African Anti-Imperialist Revolution” in Senegal, directly blamed the regime in place in Togo. He claims that militiamen were sent to attack the participants, including Togolese deputies and himself, a member of the ECOWAS Parliament. This violence, according to him, reveals a climate of generalized insecurity for opponents in Togo.

The “Front Touche Pas à Ma Constitution”, a Togolese opposition coalition, also reacted, condemning these acts in a statement. The group claims that the attack was aimed at silencing Mr. Sagna, known for his critical positions towards the Faure Gnassingbé regime, notably concerning the controversial adoption of a new Constitution.

The reaction of the Senegalese government

The Senegalese Ministry of Foreign Affairs quickly responded to the attack. In a statement, Senegal strongly condemned this “unspeakable act” and demanded that an investigation be opened to shed light on the events. Senegalese Foreign Minister Yacine Fall contacted her Togolese counterpart to request guarantees regarding Mr. Sagna’s safety and the protection of his physical integrity.

Conclusion

This incident reflects the ongoing political tensions in Togo, as critical voices continue to speak out against the regime in place. The attack on Guy Marius Sagna highlights the challenges facing political opponents in the country, while Senegal, through its authorities, has expressed its firm intention to ensure that justice is done.