Gambiaj.com – (LOME, Togo) – Senegalese MP Guy Marius Sagna, a political ally to Prime Minister Ousmane sonko, who was in Lomé for ECOWAS Parliamentary activities, was set to participate in a public meeting with the Togolese opposition platform, DMP (Dynamique pour la Majorité du Peuple), on Sunday afternoon. However, the meeting was disrupted and could not be completed.
Originally scheduled to take place in a parish hall, the meeting was canceled at the last minute, reportedly under pressure from Togolese authorities, according to opposition sources. It was eventually relocated to the headquarters of the Convention for the Democratic Peoples of Africa (CDPA). The session began with an introduction by MP Brigitte Kafui Adjamagbo-Johnson, but it was cut short by disruptions.
As Guy Marius Sagna began to speak, chairs were hurled from the crowd towards the table of honor. First one chair, then another, and chaos erupted.
Chairs were broken, sound equipment and journalists’ recording devices were thrown onto the walls, while mobile phones were snatched. Attendees scattered in the ensuing confusion.
Thugs had infiltrated the crowd, and outside, vehicle windows were shattered with concrete blocks.
Guy Marius Sagna was specifically targeted and sustained injuries to his head and arm. He was carried to a nearby clinic for treatment. In the clinic hallways, Sagna recounted the assault: “They asked me, ‘Are you Togolese?’ as if accusing me of claiming a Togolese identity. Today, despite this violence, I remain committed to the Togolese people and will stand by them until the government respects its citizens.”
Sagna further condemned the incident: “I strongly denounce what happened today. ECOWAS can no longer turn a blind eye to what is happening in Togo. This is extremely serious and dangerous.”
At least seven people were injured in the violence, including Brigitte Adjamagbo-Johnson, her driver, and a local radio journalist.
After completing their action, the attackers calmly retreated through the streets of the Bè neighborhood, their faces uncovered.
Senegal condemns and urges the Togolese government to Investigate the Assault
In response to the violent assault on Guy Marius Sagna, the Senegalese Ministry of Integration and Foreign Affairs issued a press release on Sunday evening, strongly condemning the incident and describing it as “despicable.” Senegalese authorities also reached out to the Member of Parliament (MP) involved to check on his health.
Additionally, the Senegalese government requested Togolese MP Brigitte Adjamagbo-Johnson to ensure the protection of Mr. Sagna’s physical integrity and contacted the Togolese Ministry of Foreign Affairs to facilitate this effort.
According to statements from Senegalese diplomats, the government of Lomé has pledged to take all necessary measures to guarantee the MP’s safety. Senegal has also called for an investigation to clarify the circumstances surrounding the incident.
