Faure Gnassingbé, the long-serving leader of Togo, has been appointed President of the Council of Ministers, a powerful new position without a fixed term limit, drawing sharp criticism from opposition groups who have labeled the move a “constitutional coup.”
The appointment was announced by the National Assembly over the weekend, citing Gnassingbé’s status as head of the ruling party. Under recent constitutional reforms, the presidency — his former role — has been made largely ceremonial, while the newly created Council President will oversee the government’s operations, set policy direction, and ensure implementation of cabinet decisions.
Gnassingbé’s elevation has sparked political uproar, with opposition parties, including the Democratic Forces for the Republic and the National Alliance for Change, denouncing the development as undemocratic. In a joint statement with a civil society group, they accused the ruling party of staging “an institutional hold-up” to retain power indefinitely. “This process is neither legal nor legitimate,” they said.
Faure Gnassingbé has ruled Togo since 2005, succeeding his father, Gnassingbé Eyadéma, who led the country from 1967 until his death, marking over 50 years of family dominance in Togolese politics.
Togo’s ruling UNIR party and the National Assembly have not responded to the opposition’s accusations.
The move adds to growing concerns about democratic decline in West Africa, a region that has witnessed multiple military coups and leaders altering constitutions to extend their grip on power.
