In Togo, the trial of the village chief of Kpotomé in the canton of Kpétsou, Togbui Dodji Akakpo IV, is scheduled for this Friday, August 4th, before the judicial chamber of the Supreme Court. The traditional leader, who was enthroned a few days before his arrest, is accused of undermining state security.
Having been in prison for several months, Chief Togbui Dodji Akakpo IV may finally learn his fate this Friday. The former retiree from the United States Armed Forces is accused of making serious statements in a video he recorded during the socio-political crisis that Togo went through in 2017. These statements were allegedly made while he was still in active service with the U.S. military.
In a short video, at that time still in military service in the United States, he lamented the repression of popular demonstrations demanding a change in leadership at the top of the state. These statements have caught up with him more than 6 years later.
The announcement of Togbui Dodji Akakpo IV’s trial has already sparked keen interest across the country and raises questions about freedom of expression and the responsibility of traditional leaders. The public hearing will allow the parties involved to present their arguments and evidence.
