On the case of Abdoul Aziz Goma, arbitrarily detained in Togo

B100377/2025

Motion for a European Parliament resolution on the case of Abdoul Aziz Goma, arbitrarily detained in Togo

(2025/2862(RSP))

The European Parliament,

– having regard to its previous resolutions on Togo,

– having regard to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights,

– having regard to the UN Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment,

– having regard to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights,

– having regard to Rule 150(5) of its Rules of Procedure,

whereas on 21 December 2018 Abdoul Aziz Goma, an Irish-Togolese businessman, was arrested in Lomé on charges related to assisting peaceful local protestors;

whereas in September 2023 the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention concluded that Mr. Abdoul Aziz Goma’s detention lacked legal basis and violated international law;

whereas in February 2025 he was convicted in a one-day trial and sentenced to ten years’ imprisonment, along with thirteen other people, amid serious concerns about the fairness of the proceedings;

whereas he has been held incommunicado for nearly two years and denied access to legal counsel and family;

whereas Mr. Goma’s health has gravely deteriorated during detention, with progressive neurological damage, severe sciatica, and reduced mobility, requiring urgent medical attention;

whereas on 27 August 2025 he began a hunger strike to protest against his prison conditions, torture and ill-treatment, including beatings, electric shocks and denial of medical treatment;

whereas the United Nations' Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders and several international human rights organisations have expressed deep concern about his case;

Strongly condemns the arbitrary arrest, prolonged incommunicado detention, and torture suffered by Abdoul Aziz Goma, and expresses profound concern for his physical and psychological integrity;

Calls for the immediate and unconditional release of Abdoul Aziz Goma, in line with the opinion of the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention;

Deplores the serious violations of due process and fair trial guarantees in this case, which contravene Togo’s obligations under international human rights law;

Calls on Togolese authorities to ensure Mr. Goma has prompt access to adequate and independent medical treatment, as well as to lawyers and family;

Calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners;

Stresses that arbitrary detention and torture of political opponents, human rights defenders, and individuals perceived as critical of the government undermine the rule of law and democratic governance in Togo;

Calls on the European External Action Service to closely monitor Mr. Goma’s case, to raise it with Togolese authorities at the highest levels, and to support efforts aimed at securing his release;

Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the Council, the Commission, the EU Member States, the Togolese authorities, the African Union, the United Nations Secretary-General, and the United Nations Human Rights Council.