The Togolese head of State, Faure Gnassingbé has confirmed Victoire Sidemeho Tomegah-Dogbé will continue as Prime Minister, with a new government set to be formed shortly, as per a newly adopted constitution. This announcement on Thursday from the presidency comes amidst heightened tensions within the country.
The constitution, approved in May, has been met with criticism from opposition parties and civil society organizations. They argue it is a maneuver by Gnassingbé to extend his 19-year tenure beyond expected limits.
Tomegah-Dogbé, Togo’s first female Prime Minister since her appointment in 2020, belongs to the ruling party, UNIR, which secured a significant majority in the April legislative elections. These elections had been postponed twice due to disputes over the new constitutional framework.
The Gnassingbé family’s grip on Togo’s presidency has faced longstanding opposition. Faure Gnassingbé assumed office in 2005 following the death of his father, Gnassingbé Eyadéma, who had been in power since a 1967 coup.
Togo’s President retains Prime Minister amidst constitutional changes
