Tensions are escalating in Togo as the government pushes forward major constitutional reforms ahead of delayed parliamentary elections. The reforms aim to transition Togo from a presidential to a parliamentary system, raising concerns among opposition activists that this is a ploy to keep longstanding President Faure Gnassingbe in power. Recent arrests of opposition figures and crackdowns on protests have only intensified the unrest in the country. Despite the government’s announcement that parliamentary elections will go ahead on April 29, opposition groups are determined to continue with planned protests on April 12 and 13.
Gnassingbe’s family has ruled Togo for almost sixty years, starting with his father General Gnassingbe Eyadema’s seizure of power in 1967. Faure Gnassingbe took over as president in 2005 after his father’s death, a move that sparked widespread anger and unrest due to allegations of electoral fraud. Gnassingbe’s opponents have been demanding his resignation following violent protests, which led to further unrest in subsequent years. The president’s recent amendments to the constitution have raised concerns that he aims to cling to power even after reaching term limits.
The proposed constitutional changes involve limiting the president’s power and establishing a prime minister position to hold executive authority. Critics fear that these changes could allow Gnassingbe to be reappointed as president until 2031 and then transition to the new role of “president of the council of ministers,” effectively extending his rule. The reforms were swiftly passed by parliament last month with minimal opposition input, sparking criticism and accusations of manipulation by those in power. Opposition groups are pushing for the reform to be abandoned, but their current political influence is limited.
As the parliamentary elections approach, calls for protests and rejection of the constitutional changes are mounting. A group of diverse signatories released an open letter condemning the violations of the constitution and demanding a stop to the reforms. The government last week postponed the elections to engage in consultations with stakeholders, but opposition groups remain determined to continue with planned protests. Despite the government’s ban on demonstrations, opposition parties have vowed to proceed with protests on April 12 and 13, citing a lack of respect for democracy.
The government’s response to past protests has been described as firm and heavy-handed, raising concerns about the potential for further violence in response to the ongoing unrest. Recent arrests of opposition members campaigning against the reforms have fueled opposition sentiment, with calls to safeguard the constitution gaining momentum. Enduring tensions in Togo over the government’s actions and the looming parliamentary elections suggest that the country is on the brink of further turmoil as opposition groups continue to push back against perceived attempts to entrench the president in power beyond constitutional limits.
