On May 26, 2025, security agents arrested Togolese rapper, Tchala Essowè Narcisse, popularly known as Aamron, at his home in Lomé. His arrest followed a series of social media posts and videos he had made in which he condemned the long-standing rule of President Faure Gnassingbé and called on Togolese youth to take action.
In one of his last videos before his arrest, he called for a “satirical mobilisation” on June 6 to mark President Faure Gnassingbe’s birthday.
Aamron’s music and social media commentary, which often highlight injustice and abuse of power, had gained wide support, especially among young people and his arrest has sparked widespread condemnation.
Political parties, civil society organisation have described the arrest as arbitrary and unjust. Prominent opposition figures and activists have similarly decried the government’s handling of dissent, calling it part of a broader campaign to muzzle critics.
The MFWA strongly condemns the arrest of Aamron and calls for his immediate and unconditional release. We urge the Togolese authorities to respect their constitutional obligations to safeguard freedom of expression and to cease harassing journalists, artists, activists, and other individuals for exercising their democratic rights.
