Togo is facing growing unrest after a controversial new constitution allowed long-serving leader Faure Gnassingbé to sidestep presidential term limits by moving into a powerful new role as prime minister. The move has triggered outrage in the capital, Lomé, with more protests expected this Friday.
Clashes between demonstrators and security forces have already turned deadly, with at least five protesters killed in recent weeks.
What is notable is that this surge of resistance is not being led by the traditional opposition, which was soundly defeated in local elections last week. Instead, it is musicians, bloggers, and social media activists who have stepped up, channeling the frustration of young Togolese citizens tired of a regime that has ruled for nearly 60 years, first under Gnassingbé’s father, Gnassingbé Éyadéma, and now under Faure himself.
That legacy surpasses even that of Cameroon’s President Paul Biya, 92, who recently confirmed plans to run for an eighth consecutive term later this year. It also exceeds the combined reigns of Gabon’s father and son leaders, Omar and Ali Bongo, Ali was ousted in a coup in August 2023.
