On what should have been a day of celebration marking Togo’s 65th independence anniversary, opposition political parties and civil society organizations instead issued a defiant call for “firm and total national resistance” against what they describe as a “dynastic dictatorship” led by President Faure Gnassingbé.
In a solemn declaration, groups such as Novation Internationale, ANC, and FDR denounced a “constitutional coup” allegedly orchestrated by the ruling UNIR party. They accuse the regime of imposing “an illegal and illegitimate constitutional change” designed to entrench Faure Gnassingbé’s hold on power.
“What is there to celebrate,” the statement asks, “when the people are silenced, humiliated, and betrayed? When Togolese citizens are arbitrarily detained, forced into exile, or assassinated with impunity?”
Since 1967, the document states, Togo has lived under a “militaro-clan regime” that “confiscated the sovereignty of the people,” evolving over the last two decades into a full-fledged “dynastic dictatorship.”
The opposition leaders argue that the new constitutional changes represent “a national betrayal” and “an abominable affront” to democracy and the Togolese people’s aspirations for political change and dignity.
“The 27th of April 2025 must not be a hypocritical jubilee,” the signatories insist. “It must be a cry of anger, a cry of rupture, a cry of revolt.”
The declaration calls on Togolese citizens, especially the youth, to “march, speak, demonstrate, resist, and act” to reclaim their future and restore the true meaning of independence.
Key slogans from the communiqué encapsulate the spirit of the protest: “Down with the illegal and illegitimate constitutional change!” and “Down with the hereditary monarchy being established in Togo!”
The signatories, which include a broad coalition of civil society movements and opposition parties, vowed to continue mobilizing nationally and internationally until the people’s sovereignty is restored.
Togo’s 65th Independence anniversary sparks resistance movement
