Togo’s Political Crisis: Understanding Constitutional Changes

By Darius Spearman (africanelements)

Support African Elements at patreon.com/africanelements and hear recent news in a single playlist. Additionally, you can gain early access to ad-free video content.

The Heart of the Matter: Togo’s Political Unrest

Togo is currently facing significant political unrest. President Faure Gnassingbé is under increasing pressure, with many people calling for his resignation. This pressure comes after recent constitutional changes that could allow him to remain in power indefinitely (africanews.com). Activists have strongly condemned the arrest and alleged mistreatment of dozens of people. These arrests followed protests in Lomé and on social media in early June 2025 (africanews.com).

In addition, protesters took to the streets for the first time at the beginning of June. They denounced the high cost of living and the concentration of power in the hands of Faure Gnassingbé. He has been in office for the past two decades, succeeding his father, Gnassingbé Eyadéma, at the helm of the state. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission has expressed concern about the current state of affairs in Togo, calling for restraint and dialogue among all involved parties.

Unpacking Togo’s Constitutional Shift

Togo’s recent constitutional reforms have dramatically changed the country’s political structure. Previously, the president was directly elected by the people for a five-year term, with a two-term limit. This system ensured that the head of state had a direct mandate from the citizens and faced a clear end to their time in office. However, the new constitution has moved Togo from a presidential to a parliamentary system (democracyinafrica.org).

Under the new system, direct popular election of the president has been eliminated. Instead, the president is now elected by a joint session of the two legislative chambers, which is the parliament (democracyinafrica.org). The presidential term is now six years, renewable once, but this role is largely ceremonial (constitutionnet.org). The real executive power has been transferred to a newly created position: the “President of the Council of Ministers.” This individual effectively acts as the head of government and can serve indefinitely as long as their party maintains a parliamentary majority (africacenter.org). This change effectively removes term limits for the individual holding the most powerful executive office.

The New Power Center: President of the Council of Ministers

The newly established “President of the Council of Ministers” is now the most powerful executive position in Togo. This role effectively replaces the former presidency in terms of real authority (theconversation.com). The individual in this position holds virtually all the powers previously held by the president. This includes directing the day-to-day management of the country and representing the Togolese Republic abroad (constitutionnet.org).

Unlike the ceremonial president, the President of the Council of Ministers’ mandate is renewable indefinitely. This is possible as long as their political party maintains a majority in parliament (africacenter.org). This contrasts sharply with the previous system, where the president was subject to term limits. Faure Gnassingbé was sworn in as President of the Council of Ministers in May 2025 (africanews.com). This move solidified his position to remain in power for an unlimited period, potentially.

“Constitutional Coup”: A Deeper Look

Opposition leaders in Togo have used the term “constitutional coup” to describe the recent constitutional changes. They view these reforms as a legal manipulation designed to bypass democratic principles and extend the ruling family’s power indefinitely (bbc.com). This term suggests that while the changes were enacted through parliamentary means, they effectively undermine the spirit of the constitution and democratic governance. It is similar to a traditional coup d’état, but achieved through legalistic maneuvers.

The concern is that the changes remove presidential term limits and shift power in a way that entrenches the current leadership without popular consent or a referendum (africacenter.org). This fundamental change to Togo’s system of government, which also limits citizens’ political rights, was not put to a popular referendum. Instead, it was passed by the long-dominant ruling party through opaque legislative procedures (africacenter.org). This method further fuels the opposition’s claim of a “constitutional coup.”

Faure Gnassingbé’s Enduring Rule

Faure Gnassingbé came to power in 2005 following the death of his father, Gnassingbé Eyadéma, who had ruled Togo since 1967 (bbc.com). This succession marked the continuation of a dynastic rule that has lasted for 57 years. His initial ascension was controversial and met with violent protests (news.bbc.co.uk). Throughout his 19-year tenure, there have been ongoing concerns about democratic governance and the concentration of power.

The 2019 Constitution, which included a two-term presidential limit, was adopted after widespread popular protests (africacenter.org). This indicated a significant public demand for democratic reforms and limits on presidential power. The current constitutional changes are seen by many as an attempt to circumvent these previously established limits and further entrench his family’s long-standing rule (africacenter.org). This history provides crucial context for understanding the depth of the current unrest and the public’s frustration.

The People’s Voice: Protests and Opposition Demands

Opposition leaders and activists have consistently called for protests against the constitutional changes and the potential for Faure Gnassingbé to extend his rule. In March 2024, activists and opposition leaders urged protests to prevent President Faure Gnassingbé from approving the new constitution (africanews.com). These calls reflect a deep-seated desire for democratic accountability and a rejection of what many perceive as an attempt to solidify a dynastic hold on power.

A Togolese rapper named Aamron was arrested in May 2025 for his social media campaign. He had been denouncing poor governance and calling for national mobilization among Togolese youth (advox.globalvoices.org). This arrest highlights the government’s response to dissent and the risks faced by those who speak out. The primary demand of the opposition and civil society groups is the reversal of the constitutional changes. They view these changes as a “constitutional coup” designed to perpetuate the ruling family’s power (bbc.com). They seek a more genuinely democratic system where the president is directly elected by the people and subject to term limits, rather than being chosen by a parliament dominated by the ruling party.

Parliament’s Role: Electing the President

Under the new constitutional framework, the President of the Republic is elected by parliament in a joint session of the two legislative chambers (constitutionnet.org). This means that the political party or coalition that holds a majority in parliament will effectively choose the president. Currently, the ruling party, the Union for the Republic (UNIR), holds a significant majority in the Togolese parliament. This dominance allows the ruling power to retain control over the selection of the ceremonial president.

This system significantly diminishes direct democratic representation in the presidential election. Citizens no longer directly vote for their head of state. Instead, the president is chosen by the people through their elected representatives. In a context where one party dominates the legislature, this can lead to the entrenchment of power without broad popular mandate (africacenter.org). This shift raises serious questions about the future of democratic participation in Togo.

International Scrutiny and Regional Concerns

The international community has expressed concerns regarding the constitutional changes in Togo. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance is particularly relevant. This protocol stipulates that no substantial modification shall be made to electoral laws within the last six months preceding elections, except with the consent of a majority of political actors (constitutionnet.org). The timing of Togo’s constitutional change, just days before legislative elections, has raised questions about its compatibility with this essential regional protocol.

The Togolese opposition has specifically requested that ECOWAS representatives in Togo examine the constitutional change (constitutionnet.org). While specific official statements from all international bodies or foreign governments are not detailed, the context suggests international scrutiny and potential implications for regional democratic norms. The ECOWAS Commission has called for restraint and urged all stakeholders to favor dialogue, noting its availability to contribute to efforts to preserve social peace in the Togolese Republic.

A History of Unrest and Governance Concerns

The political situation in Togo has a long history of unrest and concerns about governance. In 2005, when Faure Gnassingbé first came to power, there were violent protests and fears of rigging during Togo’s first elections in 40 years (news.bbc.co.uk). This period was marked by significant instability and a violent police response, which resulted in at least seven deaths.

The press has also expressed concern over unrest in Togo. There have been calls for the country not to follow the example of failed states in Africa (news.bbc.co.uk). This historical context reveals a recurring pattern of public dissatisfaction with governance and a struggle to uphold democratic principles. The current crisis, therefore, is not an isolated incident. Instead, it is a continuation of a long-standing challenge to establish truly democratic and accountable leadership in Togo.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Darius Spearman has been a professor of Black Studies at San Diego City College since 2007. He is the author of several books, including Between The Color Lines: A History of African Americans on the California Frontier Through 1890. You can visit Darius online at africanelements.org.