The political temperature in Togo has risen sharply following the controversial elevation of President Faure Gnassingbé to a powerful new executive position, sparking nationwide criticism and fears of further democratic backsliding in West Africa.
On Saturday, the Togolese Parliament formally approved a constitutional amendment appointing President Gnassingbé as the President of the Council of Ministers—a newly established executive body that significantly expands his authority. This position allows him to be re-elected by members of parliament for unlimited six-year terms, effectively granting him the legal framework to remain in power indefinitely.
Faure Gnassingbé, who first assumed the presidency in 2005 after the death of his father, General Gnassingbé Eyadéma, has now entrenched his position further in what opposition parties and civil society leaders are calling a “dangerous drift toward authoritarianism.”
Opposition Outrage
The reaction from Togo’s opposition was swift and severe. Multiple political parties and civic groups have condemned the move, describing it as a “constitutional coup” and a direct affront to democratic norms.
“We are witnessing the slow death of democracy in Togo,” said Brigitte Adjamagbo-Johnson, a prominent opposition leader and general coordinator of the Dynamique Monseigneur Kpodzro (DMK) coalition. “This is not about reforming the constitution—it’s about Faure Gnassingbé tightening his grip on power at the expense of the people’s will.”
The opposition coalition, made up of several parties and civil society organizations, announced plans on Monday to mount strong resistance both within the country and on the international stage. According to their joint statement, they are mobilizing resources to challenge the constitutional changes and urging global institutions to take a firm stance.
“We call on ECOWAS, the African Union, and the international community to condemn this abuse of power and support the democratic aspirations of the Togolese people,” the statement read.
New Political Structure Raises Concerns
The constitutional revision redefines the executive arm of Togo’s government. While the office of the president remains, the Council of Ministers will now function as the principal executive authority, with Faure Gnassingbé at its helm. This council wields substantial influence over the appointment of ministers, economic and security policies, and state institutions.
Critics argue that this new structure essentially consolidates all political power in the hands of the president and undermines any remaining checks and balances within the system.
“This is a clear move toward institutionalizing one-man rule,” warned political analyst Kossi Dovi, based in Lomé. “By transferring key decision-making powers to this new council, and placing himself at the top, President Gnassingbé has rendered the traditional separation of powers meaningless.”
According to Dovi, the most alarming element of the reform is the elimination of presidential term limits. Under the new arrangement, the President of the Council of Ministers is selected by members of parliament for six-year terms, with no cap on re-election. Given the dominance of Gnassingbé’s party in parliament, observers believe he will face no serious opposition in extending his tenure.
Regional Implications
Togo’s political crisis comes at a time when West Africa is grappling with multiple democratic challenges. Recent years have seen military coups in Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso, and Niger, along with increasing concerns over civilian leaders manipulating constitutions to cling to power.
“Togo’s situation is part of a broader trend of constitutional manipulation in West Africa,” said Idayat Hassan, a senior fellow at the Centre for Democracy and Development. “When leaders change the rules to stay in office indefinitely, it weakens institutions and sets dangerous precedents for neighboring countries.”
The rise of authoritarian tendencies across the region is also fueling distrust among citizens, especially youth populations who feel increasingly disconnected from political leadership. In Togo, protests have already erupted in several districts, despite restrictions on public gatherings.
Civil Society Mobilizes
In addition to political parties, civil society organizations have vowed to step up their advocacy efforts. Groups like Tournons La Page Togo, Synergie Togo, and Amnesty International Togo have begun rolling out public awareness campaigns, digital mobilization strategies, and calls for peaceful resistance.
“This is a crucial moment in Togo’s history,” said Akouvi Mensah, a youth activist and member of Synergie Togo. “Our silence now will be interpreted as consent. We must speak out, organize, and stand against this blatant power grab.”
Activists are also planning to petition international bodies and human rights courts, arguing that the constitutional changes violate democratic principles outlined in the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance.
Government Defends the Reform
In response to the criticism, government officials have maintained that the reforms are legal and necessary to streamline governance.
“This amendment reflects the will of the people as represented by their elected officials,” said Minister of Communication Akodah Ayewouadan. “The new Council of Ministers is designed to enhance coordination and policy execution, not to undermine democracy.”
Supporters of the president argue that Faure Gnassingbé has ensured stability in Togo and that his continued leadership is essential for national development and security.
However, skepticism remains high, particularly among the youth and opposition supporters who see the changes as a repeat of the autocratic rule under President Gnassingbé’s father.
The Road Ahead
As tensions escalate, the coming weeks will be critical in determining the trajectory of Togo’s political future. The opposition has vowed to resist the reforms through all democratic means, while civil society groups are mobilizing to raise awareness both at home and abroad.
For many Togolese citizens, the central question remains: Will democracy prevail, or is the country heading deeper into authoritarianism?
The international community is now under pressure to respond. As West Africa teeters on the edge of democratic erosion, the case of Togo could serve as a litmus test for how far constitutional manipulation can go before it triggers real global pushback.
