Togo is facing a wave of political turmoil, mass protests, and deepening unrest following controversial constitutional reforms that have triggered fears of authoritarian consolidation and sparked nationwide demonstrations.
The unrest is the latest chapter in the country’s decades-long struggle between entrenched political leadership and demands for democratic reform.
What Sparked the Current Crisis?
The current chaos was triggered in April 2024, when Togo’s National Assembly, dominated by the ruling Union for the Republic (UNIR) party, passed a constitutional amendment shifting the country from a presidential system to a parliamentary one. While framed as a modernization of governance, the reform also scrapped direct presidential elections and gave parliament the power to choose the president.
Critics say this reform was engineered to extend the rule of President Faure Gnassingbé, who has been in power since 2005 following the death of his father, Gnassingbé Eyadéma, who ruled for 38 years.
Under the new system, President Gnassingbé could remain in power until 2031 — potentially longer — by transitioning into the newly created position of “President of the Council of Ministers,” effectively retaining executive control.
Public Response and Protests
The reaction from the Togolese public has been fierce.
Tens of thousands of protesters have taken to the streets in Lomé and other major cities since April. The opposition, civil society organizations, students, and religious leaders have accused the government of orchestrating a constitutional coup and subverting the will of the people.
Security forces have responded with force. Human rights groups report the use of tear gas, mass arrests, and even live ammunition in attempts to suppress protests. At least 11 people have been killed, and dozens more have been injured or detained.
“The people feel robbed of their voice,” said a Lomé-based political analyst. “This is not just about a legal reform. It’s about decades of power staying in the hands of one family.”
Opposition Silenced
Opposition parties, particularly the Democratic Forces for the Republic (FDR) and the National Alliance for Change (ANC), have called for the reforms to be reversed and for free, fair presidential elections to be reinstated.
However, the government has moved to clamp down on dissent. Several opposition leaders have been placed under house arrest, and state media coverage has heavily favored the government narrative.
International journalists have faced restrictions, and internet blackouts have been reported in regions where protests are most intense.
International Reaction
The African Union and ECOWAS have issued muted statements urging dialogue but stopped short of condemning the reforms outright. France and the European Union have expressed “concern” but have not taken any concrete steps beyond monitoring the situation.
“Togo’s strategic position and regional alliances may be part of the reason for the soft international response,” said a West Africa policy expert. “But silence is not neutrality.
It emboldens the status quo.”
Togo’s unrest mirrors trends in several African countries, where constitutional changes have been used to extend or cement presidential power. The growing resistance in Togo suggests that citizens are increasingly unwilling to accept such moves quietly.
“The people want change,” said an activist in Sokodé. “We are tired of being ruled by decree, tired of empty promises, and tired of being ignored.”
It’s unclear how long the protests will continue, or whether they will lead to meaningful change. With opposition voices sidelined and international pressure limited, the path forward appears uncertain.
However, the unrest has made one thing clear: many Togolese are no longer willing to remain silent about governance that feels imposed rather than chosen.
