Togo protests erupt against constitutional reforms

hundreds gather in Vogan to oppose Togo’s 2024 constitutional changes

In the southern city of Vogan, hundreds took to the streets on Sunday to voice strong opposition to Togo’s 2024 constitutional reforms. Demonstrators, led by the Cadre national de concertation pour le changement au Togo (CNCC), condemned the amendments for allegedly enabling President Faure Gnassingbé to extend his decades-long rule. The protest marked the coalition’s second major gathering in three months, following an earlier demonstration in early May.

Protesters carried banners with messages such as « Non au changement anticonstitutionnel du gouvernement » and « Coup d’État constitutionnel », accusing the government of manipulating the constitution to consolidate power. The mood was tense as speakers reiterated their rejection of what they describe as an illegal power grab.

David Dosseh, spokesperson for the Front citoyen Togo debout (FCTD)—a key member of the coalition—stated, « The 2024 Constitution is entirely illegitimate. This is a constitutional coup that the people of Togo will never accept. »

how the reforms reshape Togo’s political landscape

The 2024 constitutional changes represent a significant shift in Togo’s governance. The new framework eliminates direct presidential elections, replacing them with a parliamentary system. The most powerful executive role, the President of the Council, is now held by Faure Gnassingbé, who has led the country since 2005. While the government argues the reforms enhance institutional representation, critics warn they are designed to prolong his presidency indefinitely.

Unrest over the amendments has already led to deadly confrontations. In 2025, protests turned violent, resulting in seven civilian deaths according to civil society reports, though prosecutors attribute five fatalities to drowning during clashes.

regional court weighs in on constitutional controversy

The debate reached a new stage in late January when the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Court of Justice ruled that the reforms amounted to an « unconstitutional change of government. » The Togolese government dismissed the ruling, asserting that the court overstepped its authority. Officials argued that the court’s jurisdiction is limited to human rights and community law violations, excluding assessments of domestic constitutional matters.