Togo

The region that is now Togo was inhabited by various tribes, including the Ewe, Mina, and Guin, who migrated from the Niger River valley and the Central African region.

Portuguese explorers arrived on the coast of Togo, marking the beginning of European contact with the region.

German explorer Gustav Nachtigal signed a treaty with local chiefs, establishing a German protectorate over the region, which became known as Togoland.

During World War I, British and French forces invaded Togoland, leading to the defeat of German forces.

Following the Treaty of Versailles, Togoland was divided into British and French administrative zones under League of Nations mandates.

British Togoland voted to join the Gold Coast, which later became Ghana, while French Togoland became an autonomous republic within the French Union.

Togo gained independence from France, with Sylvanus Olympio becoming the first President of the Republic of Togo.

Sylvanus Olympio was assassinated in a military coup, marking the first coup in post-colonial Africa. Nicolas Grunitzky became the new president.

Another coup led by Lt. Col. Étienne Eyadéma (later known as Gnassingbé Eyadéma) ousted Grunitzky. Eyadéma became president and ruled for 38 years.

Gnassingbé Eyadéma died, and his son, Faure Gnassingbé, was installed as president by the military, leading to widespread protests and international condemnation.

Faure Gnassingbé won the presidential election amid allegations of electoral fraud and violence, leading to further unrest.

Mass protests erupted across Togo demanding political reforms and the resignation of President Faure Gnassingbé, who had been in power since 2005.