Hundreds took to the streets in Vogan, southern Togo, on Sunday to voice their opposition to the 2024 constitutional amendments. Critics argue the changes pave the way for President Faure Gnassingbé to extend his decades-long rule.

another wave of dissent

Organized by the National Framework for Change in Togo (CNCC), the rally brought together opposition parties and civil society groups about 60 kilometers from Lomé. This marks the coalition’s second major protest in three months, following an initial demonstration in early May—a rare display of public defiance against government policies.

slogans echo resistance

Protesters carried signs reading “No to unconstitutional power grabs” and “Constitutional coup”, condemning what they call an illegitimate power grab disguised as reform. David Dosseh, spokesperson for the Citizen Front Togo Debout (FCTD), emphasized the movement’s resolve. “The 2024 Constitution is illegal. It’s a constitutional coup that Togolese will never accept.”

what changed in the 2024 constitution?

The revised charter abolished direct presidential elections, replacing them with a parliamentary system. Under the new rules, the head of government—now titled President of the Council—is Faure Gnassingbé, who has led the country since 2005. While supporters claim the reform strengthens institutional representation, opponents warn it’s a ploy to perpetuate his rule indefinitely.

escalating unrest

Tensions flared earlier this year when protests turned violent, resulting in seven civilian deaths according to civil society reports, though prosecutors attribute five fatalities to drowning. The unrest underscored deep public frustration over what many view as a systematic erosion of democratic safeguards.

regional court weighs in

On January 29, the ECOWAS Court of Justice ruled that the reforms amounted to an “unconstitutional change of government.” The Togolese government dismissed the verdict, insisting the court overstepped its mandate by ruling on domestic constitutional matters—claiming its authority is limited to human rights and community law compliance.