Togo: opposition unites in new coalition against constitutional changes

In Togo, a fresh coalition of opposition forces has emerged, seeking to challenge recent constitutional amendments that critics argue consolidate power. The Cadre national de concertation pour le changement au Togo (CNCC) held its inaugural public gathering in Lomé on Saturday, May 9, uniting four political parties and multiple civil society organizations in a shared mission to resist what they describe as an unconstitutional power grab.

Why the opposition is mobilizing now

The CNCC’s formation comes in response to the 2024 constitutional revisions, which eliminated direct presidential elections and replaced them with a parliamentary system. Under the new framework, the president assumes the role of President of the Council—a position currently held by Faure Gnassingbé, who has been in power since 2005. Opposition leaders argue these changes effectively extend his rule and undermine democratic principles.

“The Togolese people must demonstrate that they remain united and refuse to accept this constitutional forgery,” declared David Dosseh, spokesperson for the Front citoyen Togo debout (FCTD), a prominent civil society group. “We are entering a critical phase of mobilization to defend our democracy.”

Key voices and concerns

During the meeting, opposition figures including Jean-Pierre Fabre, leader of the Alliance nationale pour le changement (ANC), highlighted ongoing repression. He condemned the recent re-arrest of activist Honoré Sitsopé Sokpor, known as “Affectio,” just days after his conditional release. Sokpor has long been a vocal critic of the government, and his detention has sparked outrage.

“This is arbitrary detention—pure political persecution,” Fabre asserted. “The regime’s relentless crackdown on dissent must stop.”

What’s next for the CNCC?

The coalition has vowed to escalate protests, aiming to pressure authorities into reversing the constitutional amendments. With public demonstrations rare in recent years, the CNCC’s emergence signals a potential shift in Togo’s political landscape, as civil society and opposition groups seek to reclaim space for democratic discourse.

As the opposition consolidates its efforts, the coming months will reveal whether this new alliance can mobilize sustained public support and challenge the status quo.