Togo Erupts Amidst Constitutional Overhaul and U.S. General’s Visit

Lomé, Togo – Togo is in the throes of escalating political turmoil as citizens take to the streets, demanding the resignation of President Faure Gnassingbé, whose family has maintained a tight grip on power for nearly six decades. The widespread protests intensified following a controversial constitutional amendment that effectively eliminates universal suffrage for the presidency, shifting the power to elect the head of state to members of parliament. This drastic change, coupled with a recent visit by U.S. General Michael Langley, has fueled public outrage and raised significant questions about the future of democracy in the West African nation.

Hundreds of protesters have clashed with security forces, who have deployed tear gas and batons to disperse demonstrations in the capital, Lomé, resulting in arrests and concerns over a crackdown on dissent. Many shops remained closed as the unrest continued, with citizens citing economic hardship and a “constitutional coup” as reasons for their defiance.

A Dynasty’s Enduring Grasp
The Gnassingbé family’s rule dates back to 1967 when Gnassingbé Eyadéma seized power in a coup. Upon his death in 2005, his son, Faure Gnassingbé, controversially succeeded him, extending what is now Africa’s longest-lasting dynastic rule, spanning 57 years. Despite previous constitutional amendments in 2019 that introduced term limits, they were not applied retrospectively.

The newly adopted constitution, approved by parliament in March 2024 and coming into effect in May 2025, transforms Togo from a presidential to a parliamentary system. Under this new framework, the president is elected by lawmakers for a six-year term, renewable indefinitely. Crucially, it also establishes a powerful new role, the “President of the Council of Ministers,” who holds executive authority. Critics argue that this change is a maneuver to allow President Gnassingbé to circumvent term limits and extend his tenure indefinitely, potentially until 2033, given his party’s parliamentary majority.

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U.S. Visit Under Scrutiny
General Michael Langley, Commander of U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), recently visited Togo, meeting with President Gnassingbé to discuss maritime security and regional cooperation. While AFRICOM emphasizes its focus on addressing violent extremist organizations and maritime threats in the Gulf of Guinea, the timing of the visit amidst widespread popular protests has been met with skepticism by the Togolese public. Many perceive it as a sign of continued Western support for a regime that has suppressed democratic aspirations, a sentiment exacerbated by France’s historical backing of the ruling family since Togo’s independence in 1960.

The protests, initially sparked by the constitutional changes and ongoing cost-of-living crisis, gained further momentum following General Langley’s visit, with demonstrators questioning the true meaning of the engagement for democracy in Togo. As the nation grapples with this pivotal moment, calls for international action and a restoration of democratic principles are growing louder.