Renewed Calls for Protests in Togo Against Constitutional Changes Extending President’s Rule
Togo’s Opposition Calls for Protests Against Constitutional Changes Extending President’s Rule
Tensions are rising in Togo as opposition parties and civil society groups are calling for widespread protests following the approval of constitutional changes that could extend President Faure Gnassingbe’s 19-year rule.
The Dynamique Pour la Majorité du Peuple (DMP) opposition coalition and other signatories have labeled the changes, which include alterations to presidential term limits and the election process, as a political maneuver to allow Gnassingbe to potentially extend his tenure for life.
Describing the approval of the changes as a “coup d’etat,” the opposition groups have urged the population to mobilize against the amendments. They have announced plans for large-scale actions in the coming days to reject the new constitution.
In the recent vote, lawmakers unanimously approved an amended charter that will see the president no longer elected by universal suffrage, but by members of parliament. The amendments also introduce a parliamentary system of government and shorten presidential terms to four years with a two-term limit.
Critics argue that the changes could enable Gnassingbe to remain in power until 2033 if re-elected in 2025, as his party currently controls the parliament. This move mirrors similar actions taken in other African countries, where presidents have extended their terms through legal changes.
The region has also seen a rise in military coups, with eight occurring in West and Central Africa in the past three years. In Togo, violent police crackdowns on political demonstrations have been common under Gnassingbe’s rule, continuing a pattern seen during his father’s lengthy presidency.
The new constitution also introduces a new role, president of the council of ministers, with extensive authority over government affairs. As tensions escalate, the future of Togo’s political landscape remains uncertain.