On January 25, 2025, the human rights organization CODITOGO issued an urgent press release warning about the rapidly deteriorating health of Karrou Wawim, a political prisoner in Togo since 2018. Wawim, who has been held without trial, is currently in intensive care. His situation has become increasingly critical, prompting CODITOGO to call for immediate intervention from both the Togo government and international authorities.
CODITOGO reported that Wawim’s health continues to decline: “From family and prison sources, CODITOGO has learned with deep indignation that the health of Mr. Karrou Wawim, a political detainee since December 2018, without trial, is deteriorating day by day.” Wawim is said to be suffering from serious liver and stomach complications, along with general exhaustion, and has been vomiting blood clots. He is currently receiving care at the Sylvanus Olympio University Hospital in Lomé.
Human rights groups have repeatedly called attention to the suffering of Wawim and other detainees who have endured torture. CODITOGO condemns the Togo government’s indifference: “CODITOGO denounces and condemns the indifference, contempt, and cynicism of the competent Togolese authorities who, in their frantic desire to retain political power, with the consequence of silencing dissenting voices, have completely dehumanized the prison environment.”
Ecowas Court on the detention of Karrou Wawim
The situation is further exacerbated by the failure of the Togo government to comply with a ruling by the ECOWAS Court in November 2023, which demanded the immediate release of Wawim and his co-detainees. “The ECOWAS Court, a supra-national jurisdiction, ruled that the applicants were victims of torture, cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment. The Court then ordered the State of Togo to immediately and without delay release the applicants.”
Despite the court’s decision, CODITOGO highlights that the Togo government has failed to act, stating, “But, the Togolese state has not executed the decisions of this Court of Justice.”
In light of these developments, Wawim and others are scheduled to appear before the Lomé Court of Assizes on February 3, 2025, for trial on charges related to alleged threats to national security. CODITOGO is calling for an immediate end to what it describes as a “state of lawlessness” in Togo and demands the prompt release of all political prisoners.