Togo Shuts Down Social Media As Protests Against Government Grows

Internet and social media access has been severely restricted in Togo by the country’s government as protests against the rule of Faure Gnassingbe intensifies.
Opposition parties in the country have coalesced to protest what they describe as the dynastic rule of the Gnassingbe family, currently represented by Faure, son to the late long reigning head of state Eyadema.
The BBC reports…
Internet access in Togo has been severely restricted as opposition supporters gather to protest against the rule of President Faure Gnassingbé.
Some users say internet speeds are slow and access to social media platforms has been limited.
Protesters have rejected a government proposal to bring about a two-term presidential limit, saying it is a ploy to extend the president’s rule. They want Mr Gnassingbé, who has been in power since 2005, to step down.
He became president after the death of his father, Gnassingbe Eyadema, who had been at the helm for 38 years.
Government spokesperson Gilbert Bawara told a local radio station that there was an ongoing internet restriction: “Even in most developed countries, authorities take control of telecommunications in some cases,” he said.
AFP news agency reports that mobile internet had been shut down in the capital, Lomé, but added that wi-fi networks are still working.