Togo has adopted a new constitution that extends presidential terms by one year while limiting the number of terms to one, potentially allowing President Faure Gnassingbe to extend his 19-year rule by an additional year.
The presidency in the small West African country has been dominated by the same family since 1967 when Gnassingbe Eyadema took power in a coup. His son succeeded him after his death in 2005.
Under the new constitution, Faure Gnassingbe could remain in power until 2031 if re-elected in 2025, as it does not consider his previous time in office. This outcome is highly likely due to his party’s control of parliament. The new constitution, approved by 89 out of 91 lawmakers, mandates the president to be elected by parliament for a single six-year term.
Previously, under the 2019 constitution adopted in response to street protests, a president could be elected by universal suffrage for a maximum of two five-year terms, allowing Gnassingbe to rule until 2030.
“This is the umpteenth preparation of a constitutional coup by a monarchical regime that has held the country’s destiny hostage for almost 60 years,” one of Togo’s opposition parties, the Democratic Forces of the Republic, said while the new constitution was still being debated.
Several other African countries, including Central African Republic, Rwanda, Congo Republic, Ivory Coast and Guinea, have pushed through constitutional and other legal changes in recent years allowing their presidents to extend their terms in office.
The West and Central African region has seen a troubling trend of eight military coups in the past three years. This region has also experienced a history of violent police responses to political protests, a pattern that has persisted under Faure Gnassingbe’s leadership, similar to his father’s rule.
Gnassingbe’s most recent re-election in 2020 was marked by controversy, as the opposition disputed the results. The adoption of the new constitution, which extends presidential terms by one year while limiting them to one term, could potentially allow Gnassingbe to extend his rule until 2031 if he is re-elected in 2025.
Additionally, the new constitution establishes the position of president of the council of ministers, who will have significant authority in managing government affairs.