Togo protests demand the cancellation of constitutional amendments that would allow the president to remain in power indefinitely.
Ahmed Salem
Protesters in Togo called for a return to the country's previous constitution at a rally held on Saturday in the city of Fougane, during a ceremony in which opposition leaders joined while singing Togo's national anthem.
Banners and slogans opposing constitutional reform were displayed at the rally, where organizers held a public march attended by several hundred supporters.
The changes adopted in 2024 led to the creation of a parliamentary system, where executive power was given to the Prime Minister, a position now held by former President Faure Gnassingbé.
“The constitutional change that took place in Togo in 2024 is completely illegal; it is a constitutional coup,” said David Doucet, spokesperson for the civil society organization Front Cituyan Togo Deputies.
The Togolese people reject the amendments.
Last month, the Court of Justice of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) ruled that the reform was incompatible with the country’s democratic principles, describing it as an “unconstitutional change of government.”.
Although the ruling is not legally binding, the opposition hopes it will galvanize public opinion.
“It is the awakening of our citizens, because when you are under a dictatorship, things only change through the awakening of the people,” said Maitre Deguy Abevon, president of the Democratic Force of the Republic.
Gnassingbé rules Togo indefinitely
Gnassingbé has ruled Togo since 2005, and under the new constitution, he can be re-elected by parliament indefinitely. The presidency is now largely a ceremonial role, limited to a single six-year term.
