The Higher Authority of Audiovisual and Communication of Togo (HAAC) has temporarily suspended the issuance of accreditations for foreign media correspondents covering the legislative and regional elections set for April 29, 2024. This move follows the apprehension and subsequent expulsion of journalist Thomas Pierre Dietrich, a French journalist. Togolese authorities accused Dietrich of unlawfully entering the country and engaging in activist activities.
According to authorities, Dietrich, writer for “Africa XXI,” applied for a professional visa to Togo and accreditation from HAAC. Despite being promised a visa contingent on HAAC accreditation, Dietrich attempted to enter Togo via the Sanvee-Condji border post on April 10, 2024, from Cotonou, Benin, without obtaining the required accreditation.
Though immigration officials allegedly denied him entry into the country.
Adding to the situation, Dietrich was found disseminating videos on social media platforms from Lomé without a Togolese entry visa. As a result, he was apprehended by national police on Monday, April 15, 2024, and a judicial investigation was launched against him for illegal entry.
This incident has garnered international attention, with Reporters Without Borders condemning what they described as the “arbitrary expulsion” of journalist Thomas Dietrich and the suspension of accreditations for foreign press. Despite these events, the Togolese media regulator has urged foreign media correspondents already in the country to continue covering the electoral campaign.
Political uncertainty looms over Togo ahead of 2024 elections
As Togo prepares for parliamentary elections this April, the country finds itself amid a fresh wave of political turmoil.
The ruling party’s proposal for a new constitution would transition Togo from a presidential to a parliamentary regime, shaking up the country’s political landscape.
Lawmakers voted for the second time on Friday, April 19, 2024, following protests from opposition and president Faure Gnassingbé’s call for the review of the initial proposal.
Criticism has arisen, particularly regarding the implications for future presidential elections and the consolidation of power within the ruling elite.
With over fifty years of successive presidencies by a father and son, Togo’s political future remains uncertain, especially with main opposition parties having less power, particularly after boycotting previous parliamentary elections.
