Togolese Oppose Gnassingbé’s Quiet Power Shift

Hundreds of opposition militants and civil society members took to the streets of Lomé on Sunday, 4th May, to voice their anger over what they are calling an “authoritarian and undemocratic” shift in Togo’s political system.

The protest, led by key opposition parties such as Jean-Pierre Fabre’s National Alliance for Change (ANC) and Paul Dodzi Apevon’s Democratic Forces for the Republic (FDR), condemned the government’s move to a parliamentary system, which they argue was carried out without public consultation or a referendum.

At the heart of the protest is President Faure Gnassingbé’s recent appointment as Chairman of the Council of Ministers—a powerful new executive role under the country’s revised constitution.

The change, critics argue, allows Gnassingbé to remain in control well beyond the legal end of his presidency on 3 May, effectively bypassing constitutional term limits set in 2019.

“On Saturday, the constitutional coup was completed,” declared Jean-Pierre Fabre. “This entire process is a betrayal of democracy. We refuse to recognise this imposed system.”

The parliament, heavily dominated by the ruling Union for the Republic (UNIR) party, confirmed the new political order just a day before the protest.

The opposition claims this power shift was orchestrated by Gnassingbé’s government to retain long-term control under the guise of constitutional reform.

Adding to the controversy, veteran opposition figure Jean Lucien Sanvi de Tove, 85, was named the ceremonial President of the Republic. Many view his appointment as symbolic and designed to create an illusion of balance and legitimacy.

“He’s barely known by young Togolese today,” said FDR leader Apevon. “They dragged him out of retirement just to put a face on their power grab.”

The new system replaces presidential elections with a parliamentary process, where the ruling majority appoints the executive leader.

Under the revised constitution, the Chairman of the Council of Ministers—now Gnassingbé—can serve unlimited six-year terms as long as his party stays in power.

Opposition groups are now planning a nationwide demonstration for 17th May, warning that the new system threatens to erase decades of progress toward democracy.

Tensions are rising as fears grow that authorities may ban the protest and further restrict dissent.

Meanwhile, local elections are scheduled for July, but many worry they may carry little meaning under the new regime.