One year after Jacques Koami Koutoglo’s death, Togo grapples with unanswered questions

On June 26, 2025, Togo was struck by one of the most harrowing incidents amid widespread civil unrest. The day witnessed the tragic loss of Jacques Koami Koutoglo, a 15-year-old boy, whose passing continues to stir deep sorrow and unresolved questions among the nation. Accounts from those close to the family and civil society organizations indicate that his body was recovered from a lagoon following the disturbances.

Silenced grieving and unmet demands for justice

The tragedy transcends the individual loss. It has become a stark symbol of the allegations surrounding excessive force used against civilians during public demonstrations. Analysts underscore that the death of a minor in such circumstances underscores the human toll of enduring political strife in Togo.

For the grieving family, the anguish did not cease with his absence. Officials reportedly denied their request to hold a memorial mass on the 40th day following his death, scheduled for July 8, 2025. This decision left the family reeling, as they perceived it as a denial of their right to mourn their son with dignity.

Freedom to remember: a fundamental demand

Many citizens view the refusal to permit a family to honor their child as an extension of their suffering. Regardless of political divides, the ability to grieve and pay respects is a cornerstone of human dignity and fundamental freedoms. The family’s plea for closure remains unanswered, leaving a void that resonates across the nation.

A year of unresolved justice

Today, Jacques Koami Koutoglo’s name persists in calls for transparency, accountability, and the pursuit of justice. His case fuels demands for independent investigations into the violence surrounding the June 2025 protests, as well as the identification of those responsible. The absence of clear answers has kept the issue alive in public discourse.

For many, lasting reconciliation in Togo hinges on two critical conditions: families receiving definitive answers about the circumstances of their loved ones’ deaths and the assurance that justice will prevail. The loss of a child in the midst of political dissent forces a nation to confront its commitment to protecting fundamental rights and the accountability of those in power.