Lomé, Togo – Protests are expected to continue this Friday in Togo, where tensions have been rising following the government’s adoption of a controversial new constitution that grants long-time leader Faure Gnassingbé the ability to remain in power indefinitely, now as prime minister. The move has sparked widespread unrest, with at least five demonstrators reportedly killed in recent weeks during violent confrontations with security forces in the capital, Lomé.
The newly introduced constitutional framework, which was enacted in early 2024, dramatically reshapes the political landscape of the West African nation. Under the new system, all executive powers have been transferred to the office of the prime minister, while the presidency has been relegated to a largely ceremonial role. In May 2025, Faure Gnassingbé, who has been in power since 2005, was officially installed as prime minister, further cementing his political dominance.
The new president, Jean-Lucien Savi de Tové, aged 86, was selected by the legislature, in a move that many critics view as a symbolic gesture rather than a genuine shift in leadership. The shift has drawn sharp criticism from both domestic opposition groups and international observers, who argue that it is part of a broader strategy to maintain Gnassingbé’s grip on power without the need for future elections.
The Constitutional Changes and Gnassingbé’s Continued Dominance
The controversial constitutional amendments introduced by the government of Togo have been met with widespread disapproval. Critics assert that the changes effectively enable Faure Gnassingbé to perpetuate his rule indefinitely, bypassing the need for democratic processes, including elections. Under the revised constitution, the role of the presidency is now largely ceremonial, while the prime minister, a position Gnassingbé now occupies, holds full executive control.
The leadership transition that accompanied the new constitutional arrangement has left many questioning the true extent of political change in Togo. Despite the formal shift in power to a new president, the Union pour la République (Unir) party, which has long dominated the political scene, remains firmly entrenched. The party’s continued dominance is partly attributed to electoral boundaries that disproportionately favor its northern support base, ensuring its political control across the country.
While Gnassingbé’s supporters maintain that the changes represent a positive evolution for Togo’s governance, critics argue that the new system consolidates power in the hands of the prime minister—a role that, in practice, still remains with the long-standing leader. Gnassingbé’s critics contend that these political maneuvers allow him to maintain his stranglehold on power without being held accountable to voters.
A Rising Wave of Protests Led by Youth, Artists, and Activists
The introduction of the new constitution has ignited significant protests across Togo, with young people, artists, and online activists at the forefront of the opposition movement. These groups have been increasingly vocal in their condemnation of the government’s actions, seeking both political and social reforms. In contrast to the traditional opposition parties, which have struggled in recent elections, particularly at the local level, the protests have gained momentum among younger and more digitally engaged citizens.
While traditional opposition parties have been involved in the protests, their influence has been limited, especially in the wake of their disappointing performance in the most recent local elections. Many believe the poor showing of these parties reflects a broader lack of trust in the country’s electoral system, which critics argue is skewed in favor of the ruling party, Unir.
The protests have, however, garnered considerable attention from international media and human rights organizations, which have condemned the violent crackdown by security forces on demonstrators. The response from the authorities has been swift and severe, with at least five people reported dead in recent weeks as security forces used force to disperse crowds and prevent protests from spreading.
Government’s Response to Protests
Despite the growing unrest, government officials have remained resolute, defending the legitimacy of the new constitution and the electoral process. Government spokespersons maintain that the 2024 elections were fair and that the process adhered to democratic principles. Furthermore, authorities have emphasized that protests must remain lawful, warning that anyone engaging in violent demonstrations will be met with legal consequences.
The government has also tried to frame the constitutional changes as a positive step forward, aiming to modernize Togo’s political system and strengthen the executive’s ability to govern effectively. However, these assertions have been met with skepticism, especially given the long-standing dominance of the Unir party and the concentration of power in the hands of one individual, namely Faure Gnassingbé.
Calls for Reform and Transparency
Opposition groups and activists continue to call for reform, transparency, and a genuine transition of power. The protests reflect deep-seated frustrations with the political establishment, particularly the Unir party’s continued hold on power despite claims of democratic elections. For many, the struggle is about more than just the constitutional changes—it is about the broader issue of political freedom and the desire for a more inclusive democracy in Togo.
Togo, like many countries in West Africa, has long faced challenges of governance, corruption, and political repression. The question of democratic accountability remains a central issue for many in the country, as activists continue to demand greater political openness and freedom of expression.
The Road Ahead: Political Stability or Continued Unrest?
As protests continue in Togo, it remains unclear whether the government will make concessions to the opposition or whether the protests will escalate into a broader movement for political reform. The future of Togo’s political landscape will likely depend on the government’s response to public dissatisfaction and whether it can address the growing concerns over political transparency and democratic legitimacy.
In the face of mounting unrest and international scrutiny, the coming weeks will be crucial for determining whether Togo can find a path toward greater political stability or whether the nation’s deepening divisions will lead to continued social unrest.
