A new constitution that has allowed Togo’s long-time leader, Faure Gnassingbé, to shift to a role as an all-powerful prime minister and escape the restraints of presidential term limits has triggered anger on the streets of the capital, Lomé. Protests are set to continue this Friday.
At least five demonstrators have died from confronting security forces in recent weeks. The protests were mobilized by musicians, bloggers, and activists who tapped into popular anger and weariness with a regime that has been in power for almost six decades, under the leadership of Faure Gnassingbé or, before him, his father Gnassingbé Éyadéma.
Faure Gnassingbé, a shrewd and often discreet leader, quickly devised a new constitutional structure for Togo, prolonging his hold on power while playing down his personal profile to defuse accusations of dynastic rule. He no longer needs to stand for re-election, as his Union pour la République (Unir) party dominates the national assembly. The 59-year-old holds the premiership and will continue to do so thanks to a manipulated constituency map.
The new constitutional framework was introduced at short notice in early 2024 and quickly approved by the compliant government-dominated national assembly, without public approval through a referendum. The transition to new constitutional arrangements was designed to perpetuate Gnassingbé’s rule but was met with resistance from youth and cultural figures who utilize social media campaigns to demand change.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c78n23981x7o
