Martyrs’ Day in Togo 2023: Date, History, Facts about Togo

The celebration of Martyrs' Day in Togo began in 1960, following the country's independence from France. It results from the loss of Togolese lives during their struggle for independence against the French.

Martyrs’ Day in Togo is celebrated annually on June 21 in the West African nation of Togo to honour the sons and daughters of the land who perished during the country’s struggle for independence and subsequent liberation from oppressive government. It is a day when families commemorate their deceased loved ones. Togo’s brief history has been marked by conflict, first with colonial powers and then with military dictators. The country was previously colonised by both the British and the French, resulting in a varied modern history.

The background of Martyrs’ Day in Togo

The celebration of Martyrs’ Day in Togo began in 1960, following the country’s independence from France. It results from the loss of Togolese lives during their struggle for independence against the French. However, the observance of the day is no longer limited to honouring those who lost their lives in the struggle for independence. It now includes the commemoration of all Togolese martyred during the country’s struggle for independence, subsequent military coups, and the fight against dictatorship.

It is noteworthy that Togo has a brief history that has not been especially remarkable. In the 19th century, after the division of Africa by European powers, the Germans annexed Togo as their protectorate, and by 1905 it had become a German colony. Shortly after World War I, Togo fell under the colonial control of both the British and the French, who each claimed portions of the country — the western portion went to the British, while the eastern portion went to the French. Togo remained under the rule of both countries for more than three decades, until Western Togo was annexed as part of the newly independent Ghana and the rest of the country remained under French rule. After many sacrifices, Togo achieved independence in 1960 and became the Republic of Togo.

Independence ushered in a new period of coups and violence. Three years after independence, a military coup ousted the nation’s first president, and four years later, a second coup ousted the second president. From 1967 to 2005, the country was governed by a single dictator, during whose reign more people were killed than in all previous civil unrest. Perhaps this is why the celebration of Martyrs’ Day emphasises the fatalities of citizens during colonial rule and dictatorships.

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