Togo’s political landscape is heating up as opposition parties and civil society groups renewed calls for widespread protests on Saturday. This follows the parliament’s approval of constitutional changes that could extend President Faure Gnassingbe’s 19-year rule.
The move has sparked outrage among those who believe it’s a ploy to allow Gnassingbe to cling to power for life. The Dynamique Pour la Majorité du Peuple (DMP) opposition coalition and other signatories issued a statement condemning the changes, particularly those related to presidential term limits and election processes.
They view the changes as a “coup d’etat” and have urged the population to mobilize against them. Large-scale protests are expected in the coming days as a sign of rejection.
On Friday, lawmakers unanimously voted in favor of a revised constitution that alters the way presidents are elected. Instead of a direct vote by the people, parliamentarians will now hold the power to choose the president.
The amendments also introduce a new system of government with a parliament playing a more prominent role. Presidential terms will be shortened to four years, with a maximum of two terms. However, there’s a crucial caveat: this two-term limit won’t apply to Gnassingbe’s previous terms.
This opens the door for him to potentially stay in power until 2033, assuming he wins the 2025 elections – a strong possibility considering his party’s control over the parliament. It’s important to remember that Gnassingbe’s father, Gnassingbe Eyadema, ruled Togo for decades after seizing power in a 1967 coup.
Togo is not alone in this trend. Several African nations, including Central African Republic, Rwanda, Congo Republic, Ivory Coast, and Guinea, have recently implemented constitutional changes or legal maneuvers allowing presidents to extend their terms. The West and Central African region has also been grappling with military coups, with eight such occurrences in the past three years.
Togo has a history of violent crackdowns on political demonstrations during both Gnassingbe’s rule and his father’s extended reign. It remains to be seen how the government will respond to the planned protests.
