Precisely one year ago, on June 26, 2025, Togo was profoundly impacted by one of the most tragic incidents during the series of demonstrations that swept across the nation. On that fateful day, Jacques Koami Koutoglo, a young adolescent merely 15 years old, lost his life under circumstances that continue to provoke widespread indignation and unanswered questions. Numerous testimonies from close relatives and civil society organizations indicate that his body was discovered in the lagoon following the events.
Beyond the immediate human sorrow, this particular case has come to symbolize the accusations of violence directed against civilians during popular mobilizations. For many observers, the death of a minor amidst a protest serves as a stark and painful reminder of the human cost associated with the persistent political tensions in Togo.
However, for Jacques’ family, the suffering did not cease with his disappearance. Weeks after his passing, authorities reportedly denied permission to organize a commemorative mass on July 8, 2025, marking the 40th day since his death. This decision profoundly shocked his loved ones, who interpreted it as an infringement upon their right to mourn with dignity.
In the eyes of many Togolese, preventing a family from honoring the memory of their child equates to prolonging their ordeal. For, beyond any political disagreements, the fundamental right to grieve a loved one and pay homage is integral to basic freedoms and the respect for human dignity.
One year later, the name of Jacques Koami Koutoglo remains intrinsically linked to demands for truth, justice, and the eradication of impunity. His demise continues to fuel calls for independent investigations into the violence that characterized the June 2025 demonstrations, alongside the imperative to establish clear accountability.
For a significant portion of the population, no lasting reconciliation can be contemplated until the victims’ families obtain definitive answers regarding the exact circumstances of these deaths and justice is appropriately served. When a child’s life is tragically extinguished within a context of political dissent, it compels an entire nation to reflect upon the protection of fundamental rights and the responsibility of those who hold power.
