In Vogan, a southern city in Togo, hundreds of demonstrators took to the streets on Sunday to voice their opposition to the 2024 constitutional reform. Critics argue that the changes enable President Faure Gnassingbé to extend his decades-long rule, prompting another round of protests by opposition groups and civil society organizations.

Opposition mobilizes against constitutional changes

The protest was organized by the National Framework for Consultation for Change in Togo (CNCC), a coalition of opposition parties and civil society groups. Held about 60 kilometers from Lomé, this was the coalition’s second major rally in three months, following an earlier gathering in early May. Such public displays of dissent remain rare in the current political climate.

Slogans condemn alleged unconstitutional power grab

Participants carried signs with messages like « No to unconstitutional government change » and « Constitutional coup d’état, » denouncing what they view as an illegitimate overhaul of the country’s legal framework.

« The 2024 constitutional reform is completely illegal. It amounts to a constitutional coup that the people of Togo will never accept, » declared David Dosseh, spokesperson for the Citizen Front Togo Stands (FCTD), one of the organizing groups behind the demonstration.

Key changes in the 2024 constitution

The revised constitution, which came into force last year, significantly alters Togo’s political structure. It eliminates direct universal suffrage for presidential elections and shifts to a parliamentary system. Under the new framework, the role of President of the Council—the country’s top executive position—is held by Faure Gnassingbé, who has led the nation since 2005.

Opposition figures and civic leaders contend that the reform is designed to indefinitely prolong Gnassingbé’s leadership. Conversely, government supporters argue that the changes enhance institutional representativeness and democratic governance.

Violent clashes and regional ruling

Tensions surrounding the reform have already led to unrest in 2025, with civil society reporting seven fatalities, while prosecutors cite five deaths by drowning. Earlier this year, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Court of Justice ruled that the constitutional changes amounted to « an unconstitutional change of government. »

However, the Togolese government dismissed the ruling, asserting that the court exceeded its jurisdiction. Authorities maintained that the court’s role is limited to overseeing human rights and community law compliance, not evaluating the constitutionality of domestic legislation.