Togo: A Story of Resilience from Independence to Today

On April 27, 1960, Togo gained its freedom from French colonial rule, officially becoming the Togolese Republic. This date is a powerful reminder of the country's freedom and pride, but the journey to independence was not simple; it was filled with struggles and determined efforts from its people. Togo's road to independence was a long one, built over many years of fighting against colonial control and striving for self-governance.

Life before Colonization
Long before European powers arrived, Togo was home to several ethnic groups like the Ewé, Mina, and Gun. These groups established village communities and small kingdoms. Located between the powerful Asante Empire to the west and the Kingdom of Dahomey to the east, these societies thrived through trade, farming, and skilled crafts. Unfortunately, Togo’s coastal towns, especially Aného (formerly “Petit Popo”), were also significant players in the trans-Atlantic slave trade, earning the area the bleak nickname of the “Slave Coast.”

Under German and British Rule (1884–1919)
Germany took control of Togo in July 1884 when a diplomat named Gustav Nachtigal signed agreements with local leaders to make it a protectorate. The German government wanted to make Togoland a “model colony,” developing infrastructure like railways and roads, and setting up farms. However, this progress came with heavy costs for the local people, who faced forced labor, loss of their lands, and strict rules imposed by the colonizers. After Germany lost World War I, British and French troops entered Togoland in August 1914. The 1919 Treaty of Versailles split the territory: British Togoland joined with the Gold Coast (now Ghana), while French Togoland became a separate area controlled by France. After World War II, both regions were governed as United Nations trust territories. In 1956, a vote allowed British Togoland to unite with Ghana, while French Togoland became an autonomous republic within the French Union, headed by Nicolas Grunitzky.

The Path to Full Independence (1956–1960)
The desire for full independence grew stronger between 1956 and 1960. In April 1958, during a United Nations-supervised election, Sylvanus Olympio and his group, the Committee of Togolese Unity (CUT), won against a party supported by France. Sensing the rising national pride, France announced it would grant independence in October 1958, and the United Nations confirmed that Togo would officially become independent on April 27, 1960.

New Beginnings and Challenges
After independence, Olympio became Togo’s first president. He introduced a new currency, promoted national unity, and worked to diversify the economy beyond just cocoa and cotton. However, political conflicts and strife over military issues led to serious challenges. On January 13, 1963, Togo experienced its first coup d'état after independence, resulting in Olympio’s assassination—a shocking event that resonated throughout the continent. The coup was led by unhappy former soldiers, with Étienne Eyadéma (who would later be known as Gnassingbé Eyadéma) being responsible for the fatal act.

The Rise of the Eyadéma Dynasty
After a brief period of a transitional government, Nicolas Grunitzky took charge again, but in 1967 he was overthrown by Gnassingbé Eyadéma. Eyadéma then ruled Togo for an impressive 38 years, becoming Africa's longest-serving leader until he passed away in 2005. Following his death, a constitutional crisis unfolded as the military quickly named his son, Faure Gnassingbé, as the new president. Faced with strong international pressure, Faure stepped down temporarily but later won a controversial election in April 2005. Although he claimed victory with 60% of the votes, this election was marked by many accusations of fraud and violence.

A Legacy of Resistance: The People’s Struggle

Despite the idea that the Togolese people have quietly accepted years of dynastic rule, they have actively fought for democracy. In 2005, large protests erupted due to Faure's rise to power backed by the military. This wave of demonstrations continued over the years, peaking between 2017 and 2018 driven by various opposition groups. Sadly, these protests were often met with harsh crackdowns from security forces, resulting in injuries, deaths, and many arrests.

Diplomatic Efforts in 2018
In February 2018, a significant diplomatic effort took place when Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo and Guinean President Alpha Condé helped facilitate talks between the Togolese government and the opposition. The government agreed to release 45 out of 92 imprisoned protesters. However, opposition leaders returned to the streets for demonstrations in March and April, frustrated by unmet demands and ongoing repression. These protests sadly led to one death and more than two dozen injuries. Concerned about the growing violence, the opposition parties decided to pause their protests in May 2018, hoping for meaningful political changes.

Why This History Is Important
For Togolese people living abroad, understanding their country's complex history from its early days, through colonial rule, to its fight for independence and the ongoing struggle for democracy is very important. This knowledge connects them to a shared past of resistance and strength while emphasizing the continuing pursuit of a truly democratic Togo. By preserving their cultural heritage, getting involved in civic activities, and aiding economic growth, the diaspora and all Africans can plays a vital role in shaping the future of a nation that has emerged from its colonial history along the Slave Coast.

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The Equatorial Gulf is an independent group of writers dedicated to insightful analysis and thought-provoking discussions on global and regional topics.