Togo residents demand halt to Lac Togo sand extraction after drownings
Villagers in Vo 2 protested at the town hall, citing three deaths and demanding an end to Chinese dredging operations.
Residents from villages around Lac Togo protested at the Vo 2 town hall on October 12, 2026, demanding an immediate halt to sand dredging and extraction by a Chinese company. The demonstration followed the recovery of three bodies from the lake and the near-drowning of a fourth person. Protesters cited safety risks and lack of consultation regarding the operations.
A village development committee president stated that the local population was unaware of the dredging work and that prior recommendations for community consultation were not followed. Fishermen also reported difficulties navigating the lake due to holes created by the dredging, impacting their livelihoods and increasing the danger of drowning. A petition demanding the work stop has been signed by residents.
Municipal councillors acknowledged the residents' concerns, offering condolences to the bereaved families and promising to relay the demands to higher authorities. They stated that a project intended for the population's benefit should not lead to loss of life. The council's fourth ordinary session of 2026 was temporarily suspended to hear the protesters' grievances.
Why it mattersResidents of Vo 2 are directly affected by drownings and disruptions to their fishing activities due to sand extraction operations.