Marguerite Gnakadé, the sister-in-law of Togo’s President Faure Gnassingbé and former Minister of Defense, was arrested in Lomé on September 17, 2025, following a series of outspoken criticisms directed at the ruling government. Her detention came after she published several articles and appeared in a widely circulated video calling for the president’s resignation and urging the military to support a peaceful transition of power. Authorities cited “serious acts,” including incitement of rebellion within the armed forces, as justification for her arrest, framing it as a matter of national security rather than political retaliation.
Gnakadé’s dissent represents a rare and significant internal challenge to a regime that has been dominated by the Gnassingbé family for nearly six decades. Her public calls for reform coincided with a wave of growing unrest across the country, including demonstrations demanding political change and the release of detained activists. Civil society organizations have condemned her arrest, describing it as a targeted attempt to silence dissenting voices. Some reports allege that she was taken from her home without a legal warrant, raising concerns about due process and the erosion of democratic norms.
If convicted, Gnakadé could face up to 20 years in prison under charges related to incitement and threats to state stability. Her case has drawn international attention and intensified scrutiny of Togo’s political climate, particularly in the wake of recent constitutional amendments that granted President Gnassingbé a new executive role with no term limits. The arrest of Gnakadé, alongside other critics such as rapper Aamron, signals a broader crackdown on opposition figures and reflects the government’s increasingly hardline stance amid rising calls for democratic reform.
This unfolding situation underscores the tension between entrenched political power and emerging voices of change within Togo. As the country grapples with demands for transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance, the fate of high-profile dissenters like Gnakadé may shape the trajectory of its political future. Her arrest is not just a legal matter, it is a symbol of the struggle for expression and reform in a nation at a crossroads.