President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé has officially appointed 20 new senators (10 men and 10 women), in accordance with a new controversial constitutional provisions. This follows the recent election of 41 senators, completing the composition of the newly established upper house of Parliament.
According to the government, these appointments mark a significant step toward the full operationalization of the Senate and the transition to the Fifth Republic, reinforcing the country’s shift to a parliamentary system.
However, opposition parties and a coalition of civil society organizations continue to denounce these developments, calling on the international community to intervene. Critics argue that the constitutional reforms, which eliminate direct presidential elections, are designed to prolong the ruling party’s grip on power.
The constitutional changes, driven by the ruling UNIR party, have sparked widespread debate. Under the previous constitution, no president could serve more than two terms, meaning Faure Gnassingbé would have concluded his final term in 2030. However, he has been in power since 2005, following the death of his father, former President Gnassingbé Eyadéma ( April 1967- February 2005).
Some political figures, such as Christian Spieker, a former presidential hopeful, have welcomed the parliamentary system in principle but criticized its implementation in Togo. He argues that the reform was enacted without a referendum and warns that Faure Gnassingbé could become the next Prime Minister or President of the Council, despite not having contested the legislative or senatorial elections.
As the political landscape shifts, tensions remain high, with opposition voices questioning the democratic legitimacy of the reforms and their potential long-term implications for Togo’s governance.
Togo’s president appoints senators amid political controversy
