Togo’s parliament has given final approval to a new constitution that extends the president’s term, a move critics have denounced as a coup. The West African country will transition from a presidential to a parliamentary system.
Supporters of President Faure Gnassingbé argue that the changes reduce his powers by transforming the presidency into a ceremonial role. However, the opposition claims that the reforms remove limits on his stay in office.
Critics say that these changes could allow President Gnassingbé to remain in power until 2031, after which he could be appointed to the new position of “president of the council of ministers,” effectively serving as prime minister, continuing his family’s 57-year rule. President Gnassingbé took office in 2005 following the death of his father, who had been president since 1967.
Although lawmakers approved the constitutional changes last month, President Gnassingbé paused the reforms in response to public anger, stating that they would undergo further consultations.
Human Rights Minister Yawa Djigbodi Tségan has stated that these changes will “improve democracy in the country.” However, Brigitte Kafui Johnson, leader of the opposition CDPA party and a former presidential candidate, has described the constitutional amendments as a “power grab.”
In recent weeks, pro-government lawmakers have conducted visits around the country to “listen to and inform civilians on the constitutional reform.” These discussions targeted customary rulers and selected groups, but no changes were made as a result.
There is widespread fear of expressing dissent in public due to concerns of being targeted by the authorities, as police have cracked down on anti-government protests. Last month, an opposition press conference under the banner of “Don’t Touch My Constitution” was dispersed by police officers armed with truncheons.