On Sunday, 5 October 2026, the CDPA headquarters in Lomé was filled with Togolese flags and joyful chants as opposition leaders and activists gathered to honor the heroes of 5 October 1990. The event, themed "Devoir de mémoire, devoir d'engagement" (Duty of memory, duty of commitment), brought together various groupings, including DMP, DMK, LDP, and "Touche Pas A Ma Constitution". The ceremony began with a welcome speech by Nathaniel Olympio, followed by a prayer, the national anthem, and a minute of silence.
Secretary-General of the CDPA, Brigitte Adjamagbo-Johnson, set the tone for the event, advocating for a faithful and non-selective memory of the 5 October 1990 events. She recalled that the date marked a turning point in Togo's history, leading to the introduction of multiparty politics and the National Conference of 1991. Adjamagbo-Johnson also criticized the current government, stating that Togo has been stuck in the same political system for 60 years and describing the 2024 constitutional change as a "coup de force".
The event featured testimonials and emotional tributes to the martyrs, leaders, and activists who fought for democracy. Célestin Agbogan, president of the Ligue togolaise des droits de l'homme (LTDH), and Targone Sambiri, coordinator of the DMP, paid homage to those who lost their lives or were imprisoned during the struggle. The organizers aimed to emphasize the continuity of the struggle, citing various milestones, including the 2005 and 2012 protests, and the 2017 mobilization around Tikpi Atchadam.
In her address, Brigitte Adjamagbo-Johnson urged young activists to continue the fight for democracy, describing them as the heirs of the 1990 generation. She emphasized that the struggle should be pursued through peaceful and democratic means, rather than resorting to violence or idealizing the past. Nathaniel Olympio, spokesperson for the "Touche Pas A Ma Constitution" front, reiterated this message, calling on Togolais to work together to achieve their goals.
Olympio reflected on the significance of the 5 October 1990 events, highlighting the bravery of students who defied the authorities by singing the national anthem during a trial. He emphasized that collective action and courage can overcome fear and lead to change. Olympio also announced that a major event is planned for 20 November 2026, which will serve as a "last warning" to the government.
The commemoration concluded with a summary of the event in three languages: éwé, kabiyè, and tem. The opposition parties aim to build on this momentum, transforming their popular support into a concrete political force capable of challenging the status quo. The event marked a significant step towards achieving this goal, demonstrating the opposition's ability to mobilize and unite the Togolese people.
Key points
- Togo's opposition parties commemorated the 5 October 1990 protests, marking 36 years since the event that paved the way for multiparty politics.
- The event brought together various opposition groupings, including DMP, DMK, LDP, and "Touche Pas A Ma Constitution".
- The opposition parties aim to build on this momentum, transforming their popular support into a concrete political force capable of challenging the status quo.
