Togolese music federation announces protests over sector crises

The Togolese Music Federation (FTM) has called for a large-scale meeting and mobilization of artists and cultural actors to address systemic crises within the nation's music sector. The federation is planning a series of actions, including sit-ins scheduled for October 2026, to demand concrete responses from authorities.

Key grievances include the continued blockage of the National Fund for Cultural Promotion (FNPC), despite ministerial calls for its operationalization. Artists are also seeking progress on the BUTODRA law, which has reportedly been pending in Parliament for over three years, as well as transparency regarding public cultural resources used since 2022 and the implementation of private copying royalties.

Beyond institutional delays, the FTM highlighted severe social consequences for professionals, citing issues such as social distress, illness, and lack of social protection. The federation is demanding the reopening of cultural spaces, an end to favoritism in public opportunities, and has even called for the resignation of the Minister of Culture, citing a failure to meet professional commitments.