AMID growing discontent, Togo’s opposition parties and civil society organisations have reignited calls for widespread protests following parliamentary approval of controversial constitutional amendments aimed at prolonging President Faure Gnassingbe’s 19-year rule.
In a scathing statement issued by the Dynamique pour la Majorité du Peuple (DMP) opposition coalition and other signatories, the changes were denounced as a political manoeuvre to entrench Gnassingbe’s grip on power indefinitely. ‘What happened at the National Assembly yesterday[Friday] is a coup d’etat,’ they declared, emphasising the lack of public disclosure of the text and urging the populace to mobilize against the amendments.
‘Large-scale action will be organized over the next few days to say “no” to this constitution,’ the statement affirmed, underscoring the determination to resist the constitutional alterations.
Expressing deep concern, the US State Department’s Africa Bureau criticised the approval of changes without public release of the text. ‘We urge the government to allow open and informed debate, ensure inclusivity and transparency, and respect the right to peaceful assembly,’ the Bureau stated, highlighting the importance of democratic principles in the amendment process.
During Friday’s session, lawmakers unanimously endorsed amendments that overhaul the electoral system, shifting the mode of presidential election from universal suffrage to parliamentary selection. Additionally, the amendments introduce a parliamentary system of government and shorten presidential terms to four years with a two-term limit.
However, critics argue that the changes fail to account for time already served in office, potentially enabling Gnassingbe to extend his tenure until 2033 if re-elected in 2025, given his party’s dominance in parliament.
The move echoes similar efforts across Africa, where several countries have amended their constitutions to allow presidents to extend their terms. Against a backdrop of political turmoil and frequent coups in the region, Togo has experienced routine police crackdowns on political dissent under Gnassingbe’s leadership, a trend reminiscent of his father’s authoritarian rule.
Moreover, the new constitution introduces a powerful executive role, the president of the council of ministers, further consolidating authority within the government.
As tensions escalate in Togo, the opposition vows to continue its resistance against what it perceives as a threat to democratic governance and constitutional norms.