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This content was published on September 21, 2017 12:15 AMSep 21, 2017 - 00:15

Opposition supporters take part during a protest calling for the immediate resignation of President Faure Gnassingbe in Lome, Togo, September 20, 2017. REUTERS/Stringer

(reuters_tickers)

By John Zodzi and Henry Wilkins

LOME (Reuters) - Security forces in Togo used batons, tear gas and live bullets against protesters seeking an end to President Faure Gnassingbe's rule on Wednesday and a child was killed in the ensuing clashes, according to Amnesty International.

Tensions are mounting over the president's tenure and thousands marched nationwide against government reforms announced on Tuesday which they say will allow the Gnassingbe family dynasty to run the West African country until 2030.

"There was a 9-year-old boy killed in Mango by military forces. He was shot in thehead," said Francois Patuel, of Amnesty International, citing local sources including family members. Security Minister Damehame Yark confirmed that a child had been shot dead in Mango, hundreds of kilometres north of the capital Lome, but blamed the PNP opposition party.

Riots also broke out in the northern city of Bafilo between protesters against Gnassingbe and his supporters, injuring several, opposition leader Jean-Pierre Fabre said at the end of a peaceful march in Lome.

The former French colony of 8 million people that is home to several large firms, including Ecobank and regional airline ASKY, has a history of violent political repression.

Hundreds were killed in the aftermath of Gnassingbe's contested election win in 2005. Shortly afterward, he pledged to re-introduce the term limits his father scrapped and align Togo with