On September 19, 2025, Togolese artist Aamron, whose real name is Tchala Essowè Narcisse, was arrested by the police and detained at the Headquarters of the Judicial Police. Four months after his first arrest in May 2025, Aamron was again taken into custody at his home around 7:30 a.m. He was later brought before the chief investigating judge that same day.
Following his hearing, he was charged with “inciting the population to revolt, spreading false information likely to disturb public order, and insulting the highest authorities of the State.” He was released the next day, September 20, but placed under judicial supervision, with his passport confiscated.
This arrest came just two days after that of Essozimna Marguerite Gnakadé, former Minister of Defense, who had been critical of President Faure Gnassingbé’s government and the recent constitutional reforms. A month earlier, on August 30, 2025, Aamron and Gnakadé were confronted by armed soldiers as they attempted to take to the streets for a planned protest.
This is Aamron’s second arrest after the one in May, which he spent eleven days in detention and reported that he was tortured. The repeated targeting of Aamron underscores growing concerns over the shrinking space for freedom of expression and dissent in Togo. His case highlights the increasing use of judicial and security measures to silence critics and discourage public criticism of the government.
The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) condemns Aamron’s arrest. We call on the authorities to end the judicial harassment he has faced since May, and urge them to uphold the rule of law.
