Lawmakers in Togo have approved controversial changes to the constitution, sparking backlash from opposition politicians and civil society groups who fear the reforms could allow President Faure Gnassingbe to extend his rule. The amendments include new presidential term limits, a shift to a parliamentary system of government, and changes to how the president is elected. The reforms were initially adopted on March 25 but faced opposition, leading to further consultations and a second parliamentary vote which passed on Friday.
Critics argue that the changes could enable Gnassingbe, who has been in power for 19 years, to stay in office until 2033, if re-elected in 2025. Some view the amendments as a political maneuver to allow him to extend his tenure for life, labeling it a “coup d’etat.” Despite claims of a more inclusive and participatory democracy by ruling party lawmakers, civil society organizations and opposition parties have called for action, raising concerns about power consolidation by authoritarian regimes in the region.
The region of West and Central Africa has seen a rise in constitutional changes enabling presidents to extend their terms, as well as military coups. Togo has a history of political unrest, with violent crackdowns on protests being commonplace. Gnassingbe’s re-election in 2020 sparked controversy, and the creation of a new position with expanded authority in the government has raised suspicions about a potential power grab.
As the country prepares for legislative elections on April 29, the debate over the constitutional reforms intensifies, with opposing groups planning further demonstrations to oppose what they see as an authoritarian move. The international community, including the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), has been called upon to respond to the situation in Togo.
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