Togo's Constitutional Dilemma: A Tightrope Walk Between Reform and Autocracy

The latest twist in Africa's continued struggle with stable democracy

Alkebulanians, there are some very concerning events occurring in Togo. There has been a push for controversial constitutional reform with the potential to reshape Togolese democracy itself. This isn't just any political drama; it's a saga that could decide the trajectory of a nation long held in the grip of a single family's rule.

This story was suggested by a founding member of the ALKEBULAN NEWSLETTER. Thank you for alerting me to this important situation affecting our brothers and sisters in Togo.

A Power Play Cloaked as Reform?

Picture this: Togo, a West African nation, has been under the rule of the Gnassingbé family for over five decades. Faure Gnassingbé, the current president, took the reins in 2005 following his father’s death, who had ruled the country since 1967. Since then, Faure has maintained his hold through elections that had their own share of controversy

Fast forward to the present, and Togo's streets are boiling over with protests. The bone of contention? A slew of constitutional changes that, at first glance, appear to dilute the president's power, transferring much of it to a newly minted role, the "president of the council of ministers"— however is the position tailor-made for Gnassingbé once his current term ends?

The Devil in the Details

Here's where it gets tricky: the new constitutional amendments do away with direct universal suffrage for the president, instead handing the power to elect the president over to parliament—a body currently dominated by Gnassingbé's party. Critics argue this move is a meticulous ploy to cling to power, potentially allowing Gnassingbé to sidestep into the prime ministerial role, unbound by term limits.

The opposition's outcry has been loud and clear, denouncing the reforms as a constitutional coup. They're not just worried about Gnassingbé extending his tenure; they're alarmed at the systematic dismantling of checks and balances in the government. The legislative process itself has raised eyebrows, as the amendments were rushed through parliament without a public referendum, raising legal and ethical questions.

The streets of Lome, Togo's capital, have become arenas of resistance, with citizens from all walks of life coming together to voice their dissent. The government’s response? A crackdown on these protests, eerily reminiscent of the oppressive tactics used by Gnassingbé's father. This heavy-handedness only adds fuel to the fire, with more people calling for transparency and genuine democratic reforms.

What’s happening in Togo isn’t just a local issue. It mirrors a larger trend seen across Africa, where leaders manipulate legal frameworks to perpetuate their rule. From Uganda to Cameroon, the playbook is disturbingly similar, often leading to political instability and civil unrest. I just recently had a conversation about the ongoing situation in Congo who just had a coup attempt. You can watch my conversation here:

It appears Tshisakedi of Congo is pushing for a similar type of reform which is also what South Africa has been contending with. It is obvious that all these moves are about maintaining power and playing on the ignorance of the African people who don’t have the awareness to push back en masse against these initiatives.

This isn't just about one man or one family. It's about the future of a nation and the right of its people to choose their destiny through fair and free elections. It’s about setting a precedent that might either encourage or deter similar manoeuvres in neighbouring countries. For those of us watching from afar, it’s a stark reminder of the fragility of democracy and the constant vigilance required to safeguard it in a guise that is best suited to Africa.

So, what do you think? Is Togo heading for a political revolution, or will it be a reinforcement of the status quo under the guise of constitutional reform? 

Let me know your thoughts in the comments.