Lawmakers in Togo have approved changes to the country’s constitution, a move that has sparked controversy and accusations of a “constitutional coup” from opposition politicians and civil society groups.
The amendments, initially passed by parliament in March, were subject to further consultations and a second parliamentary vote, leading to a delay in legislative elections due to intense backlash.
Critics of the changes are concerned that they could potentially pave the way for President Faure Gnassingbe to extend his 19-year rule and maintain his family’s hold on power.
Gnassingbe’s father, Gnassingbe Eyadema, came to power through a coup in 1967, establishing a long-lasting grip on the coastal West African nation.
In the recent second parliamentary vote, lawmakers unanimously approved amendments that lengthen presidential terms from five to six years, with a limit of one term.
The revised constitution also introduces a shift to a parliamentary system of government, where the president will no longer be elected through universal suffrage but by members of parliament.
Critics argue that the changes do not take into consideration the time already served in office, potentially enabling Gnassingbe to remain in power until 2031 if he secures reelection in 2025—a scenario viewed as highly likely given his party’s control of parliament.
A joint statement from 17 civil society organizations described the amendments as a “project to … confiscate power by a regime that is systematically opposed to any form of democratic change,” urging West Africa’s ECOWAS bloc to intervene.
Togo’s move to amend the constitution aligns with a trend seen in several African countries, including Central African Republic, Rwanda, Congo Republic, Ivory Coast, and Guinea, where presidents have pushed through changes to extend their terms.
This comes against a backdrop of political instability in the region, with eight military coups occurring in West and Central Africa over the past three years.
Under Faure Gnassingbe’s rule, Togo has experienced violent police crackdowns on political demonstrations, reminiscent of tactics used during his father’s lengthy tenure. Gnassingbe was last reelected in a landslide victory in 2020, a result disputed by the opposition.
Additionally, the revised constitution creates a new position, the president of the council of ministers, with significant authority over government affairs.
