Exactly one year ago, on June 26, 2025, Togo was scarred by one of the most heart-wrenching episodes amid the protests that swept across the nation. That day, Jacques Koami Koutoglo, a teenager merely 15 years old, tragically lost his life under circumstances that continue to fuel indignation and persistent inquiries. His body was reportedly discovered in the lagoon following the tumultuous events, as recounted by numerous testimonies from relatives and civil society organizations.

Beyond the profound human loss, this incident has emerged as a stark symbol of alleged violence against civilians during popular demonstrations. For many observers, the death of a minor during a protest serves as a brutal reminder of the human cost exacted by Togo’s ongoing political tensions.

However, for Jacques’s family, the grief did not cease with his passing. Weeks after his death, on July 8, 2025, authorities reportedly denied permission for a commemorative mass to mark the 40th day. This decision deeply distressed his loved ones, who viewed it as an infringement upon their right to mourn with dignity.

In the eyes of many Togolese, preventing a family from honoring their child’s memory is tantamount to prolonging their ordeal. Irrespective of political divergences, the right to grieve a loved one and pay tribute is an intrinsic aspect of fundamental liberties and respect for human dignity.

One year later, Jacques Koami Koutoglo’s name remains intertwined with demands for truth, justice, and the eradication of impunity. His disappearance continues to galvanize calls for independent investigations into the violence that characterized the June 2025 demonstrations, as well as for the establishment of accountability.

Many believe that no lasting reconciliation can be achieved until victims’ families receive definitive answers regarding the precise circumstances of these fatalities and until justice is unequivocally delivered. When a child’s life is tragically cut short amidst political unrest, it compels an entire nation to reflect on the protection of fundamental rights and the responsibility of those in positions of power.