Furious protests have erupted in Togo’s capital, Lomé, as citizens reject a new constitution that cements the grip on power of the ruling Gnassingbé family.
The move allows Faure Gnassingbé, who has been in power since 2005, to transition from president to prime minister, a role with no term limits, effectively letting him rule indefinitely.
This constitutional overhaul has sparked widespread anger among young Togolese, who are demanding an end to the Gnassingbé dynasty’s nearly six-decade rule.
Musicians, bloggers, and activists have taken to the streets, tapping into popular frustration with the regime.
At least five demonstrators have died in clashes with security forces, and many more have been injured or detained.
The protests are driven by economic hardship, lack of democracy, and repression of dissent. Critics describe the regime as a “republican monarchy” and “legalist authoritarianism”.
The international community has been relatively silent on the issue, with Ecowas not commenting on Togo’s breach of its protocol on good governance and democracy.
However, on the streets of Lomé, the hashtag #FaureMustGo is circulating, and a new campaign for change, known as M66, has been launched.
The movement’s determination to bring about change is clear, and it remains to be seen how the government will respond to the growing demand for democratic reform.
