Togo has been rocked by a wave of angry protests following controversial constitutional reforms that critics say are designed to prolong the rule of President Faure Gnassingbé and his family dynasty. The unrest, which began in late June, has led to several deaths, widespread arrests, and growing international concern over the country’s political direction.
The trigger for the protests was a constitutional change passed by parliament that abolished direct presidential elections. Instead, a new system was introduced where a President of the Council of Ministers (PCM) would be elected by lawmakers for a renewable six-year term. This position holds most executive powers, effectively replacing the presidency. On May 3, Faure Gnassingbé, who has ruled since 2005, was appointed to the PCM role. An elderly statesman, Jean-Lucien Savi de Tové, was selected as the ceremonial president.
Civil society groups and opposition voices have described the move as a constitutional coup. Critics argue that the reforms were rushed without adequate public consultation and are designed to keep the Gnassingbé family in power indefinitely. Faure Gnassingbé is the son of Gnassingbé Eyadéma, who ruled Togo for 38 years before his death in 2005.
Tensions escalated sharply on June 26 when protests erupted in the capital, Lomé, and other cities. The arrest of a popular rapper, Aamron, on May 26 sparked widespread outrage. Aamron, known for his politically charged lyrics, was reportedly detained without charges and sent to a psychiatric facility, triggering a backlash on social media and among youth activists.
The protests, largely driven by youth movements and cultural activists rather than traditional political parties, have been met with a harsh crackdown. Security forces used tear gas and batons to disperse crowds, while some witnesses reported the involvement of informal militia groups. At least seven people were killed during the protests, including two minors. The body of a 15-year-old boy was found in a lagoon with signs of violence. Civil society groups have demanded independent investigations into the deaths.
The government has denied responsibility for the deaths, claiming that they resulted from accidental drownings during the rainy season. No autopsies or formal investigations have been made public. Authorities have maintained a ban on protests since 2022 and have described the demonstrations as illegal and influenced by foreign elements.
Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, have accused Togolese authorities of arbitrary arrests, torture, and enforced disappearances during the protests. Activists have also pointed to recent economic grievances, such as rising electricity prices and widespread unemployment, as contributing factors to the unrest.
Despite mounting pressure, the government has shown no sign of reversing the constitutional changes or engaging in dialogue with protest leaders. International bodies like the African Union and ECOWAS have called for restraint but have stopped short of condemning the reforms outright.
As youth-led movements continue to organize under slogans like "Faure Must Go" and the "M66 Movement", the political future of Togo remains uncertain. The protests have revealed deep dissatisfaction with the ruling elite and a strong desire among young people for democratic reform and accountable governance.