The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders has urged the government of Togo to release Abdoul Aziz Goma, a human rights advocate, from prison. This appeal comes on the seventh anniversary of Goma’s arrest, highlighting ongoing concerns for his health and treatment while incarcerated.
Mary Lawlor, the Special Rapporteur, emphasized that the Togolese Criminal Procedure Code permits conditional release for prisoners who have served at least half of their sentences. She noted Goma’s deteriorating health as a critical factor, stating, “Given his severe ill health, he also meets the criteria outlined by the President of the Council of Ministers on 2 December 2025 for cases to be considered for clemency.” Lawlor called on the President to facilitate Goma’s immediate release through available legal mechanisms.
The UN has previously raised alarms regarding Goma’s treatment, citing issues related to due process and fair trial guarantees that violate Togo’s obligations under international human rights law. Goma, who is a Togolese-Irish citizen, was arrested in Lomé in 2018 after providing shelter to a group of young protesters. Despite not participating in the protests, he was arrested for his assistance.
Goma’s health has significantly worsened during his imprisonment. Reports indicate he has undergone a hunger strike and suffers from severe neurological damage, sciatica, and limited mobility. Lawlor criticized the handling of his case, pointing out the serious violations of his rights.
He was held in secret detention for several years before being transferred to Togo’s formal prison system in 2022. Reports from human rights groups indicate that he faced ill-treatment and inadequate medical care during this time. Isidore Ngueuleu, head of an African rights group who visited Goma in Lomé Civil Prison, described the conditions as “unspeakable abuse,” highlighting issues like overcrowding and inhumane treatment, including physical abuse and denial of medical treatment.
Togo has been under scrutiny for its human rights record, particularly following constitutional reforms in early 2024 that transitioned the nation from a presidential system to a parliamentary one. Critics argue these changes were a façade to extend the political influence of President Faure Gnassingbé, who has been in power for nineteen years. These reforms have coincided with increased restrictions on press freedom, leading to the arrest of journalists covering political unrest.
In September 2025, the European Parliament adopted a resolution urging Togo’s authorities to ensure Goma receives urgent medical treatment and to “immediately and unconditionally release him.” The resolution condemned the arbitrary detention and torture of political opponents and human rights defenders, stating that such actions undermine the rule of law and democratic governance in Togo.
The ongoing international advocacy for Goma’s release highlights the broader challenges facing human rights defenders in Togo and reflects a growing concern for civil liberties in the region.