Togo: a year on, the quest for justice for Jacques Koami Koutoglo continues

A full year has now passed since June 26, 2025, a date indelibly etched into Togo’s recent history, marking one of the most sorrowful chapters of the widespread civil unrest that gripped the nation. On that poignant day, Jacques Koami Koutoglo, a mere fifteen-year-old, tragically lost his life under circumstances that continue to provoke profound indignation and unanswered questions. Eyewitness accounts from relatives and civil society organizations indicate that his remains were discovered in the lagoon following the tumultuous events of that day.

Beyond the immense human tragedy, this incident has become emblematic of the grave allegations of violence perpetrated against civilians during popular demonstrations. For many observers, the demise of a minor amidst a public protest serves as a stark and painful reminder of the human toll exacted by the persistent political tensions in Togo.

Yet, for Jacques’s family, the anguish did not cease with his passing. Merely weeks after his death, on July 8, 2025, authorities reportedly denied permission for a commemorative mass to mark the traditional 40th day. This decision profoundly distressed his loved ones, who perceived it as a direct affront to their fundamental right to grieve with dignity.

In the eyes of numerous Togolese citizens, obstructing a family’s ability to honor the memory of their child equates to prolonging their ordeal. Indeed, transcending political disagreements, the right to mourn a loved one and pay respects is a cornerstone of fundamental liberties and 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 disappearance continues to fuel fervent appeals for independent investigations into the violence that characterized the June 2025 demonstrations, alongside a clear establishment of accountability.

For a significant segment of the population, no genuine or lasting reconciliation can be contemplated until victims’ families receive definitive answers regarding the precise circumstances of these fatalities and until justice is unequivocally served. When a child’s life is cut short within a context of political dissent, it compels an entire nation to reflect deeply on the safeguarding of fundamental rights and the inherent responsibility of those who wield power.