Togo opposition launches new alliance to challenge constitutional changes

The political landscape in Togo has seen a significant shift with the emergence of a new opposition coalition. The Cadre national de concertation pour le changement au Togo (CNCC) held its inaugural public gathering on Saturday, May 9, in the capital city of Lomé. This coalition brings together four opposition political parties alongside several civil society organizations, marking a renewed effort to contest recent constitutional amendments.

The CNCC’s primary objective is to challenge the 2024 constitutional reforms that opposition leaders argue are designed to extend President Faure Gnassingbé’s grip on power indefinitely. These amendments replaced direct presidential elections with a parliamentary system, where the head of state now serves as president of the Council—a position currently held by Gnassingbé himself.

Opposition voices their concerns

Speaking at the event, David Dosseh, spokesperson for the civil society organization Front citoyen Togo debout (FCTD), emphasized the importance of public resistance. “It was crucial for the Togolese people to demonstrate that they remain united in rejecting this unconstitutional overhaul of our legal framework.” He further stated, “This gathering signals the beginning of a renewed mobilization phase.”

Jean-Pierre Fabre, leader of the Alliance nationale pour le changement (ANC), also addressed the crowd, highlighting the case of activist and poet Honoré Sitsopé Sokpor, known by his alias “Affectio.” Sokpor was re-arrested on May 4, just months after his conditional release from prison. Fabre condemned the move as “arbitrary detention and persecution.”