Protests Break out in Togo as Constitutional Amendments Strengthen Faure Gnassingbé’s Hold on Power
After the government adopted a new constitution that permits longtime leader Faure Gnassingbé to stay in power indefinitely, now as prime minister, protests are expected to continue in Togo on Friday. In the capital, Lomé, clashes with police forces have resulted in the deaths of at least five protesters in recent weeks.
Introduced in early 2024 without a public vote, the new constitutional framework lowers the presidency to a ceremonial position and gives the prime minister full administrative responsibility. In May, Faure Gnassingbé, who has been in power since 2005, was formally sworn in as prime minister. The legislature chose Jean-Lucien Savi de Tové, 86, as the next president.
The modifications, according to critics, let Gnassingbé maintain power without having to run for office again. Due to election borders that favor its base of support in the north, the Union pour la République (Unir) party, which controls the national legislature, continues to hold a tight hold on power.
Instead of the conventional opposition, which did poorly in recent municipal elections, protests have mostly been spearheaded by youth, artists, and internet activists. Government representatives believe that protests must continue to be legal and claim that the election was fair.
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