A controversial political gathering planned by supporters of Togo’s ruling party UNIR in Paris has sparked fierce backlash from the Togolese diaspora. The pan-African civic movement Pyramid of YeƲe, based in Switzerland, issued a press release on May 8 calling the event a “suicidal provocation” and urging a counter-mobilization.
The UNIR meeting, scheduled for May 10 at Espace Barrault in the 13th arrondissement, is being promoted as a show of support for Togo’s so-called “Fifth Republic.” However, Pyramid of YeƲe strongly condemns the initiative, describing it as “a sordid constitutional coup” following changes announced on May 3 by President Faure Gnassingbé’s government.
“This manifestation is not only an insult to the intelligence of the dignified Togolese people,” the statement reads, “but also a deliberate provocation to Togolese patriots residing in Europe.”
The organization calls on Togolese living in France, Germany, Belgium, and Italy to “take over the venue” and confront what they label “a campaign of media manipulation.” It also encourages exposing individuals involved in organizing or supporting the meeting, calling for them to be “removed from anonymity and held accountable.”
Citing previous diaspora-led protests against government officials abroad, the group appeals for continued vigilance: “The intense harassment of all impostors and predators of the Togolese nation… must now be the leitmotiv of all Togolese patriots in the diaspora.”
This wave of indignation comes in the wake of a controversial constitutional reform in Togo. On May 3, 2025, Faure Gnassingbé—who has ruled the country since 2005 following the death of his father, Gnassingbé Eyadéma, president from 1967 to 2005—was once again appointed to lead the nation. The reform, pushed through by the ruling UNIR party, effectively abolished presidential elections and removed term limits, triggering criticism both within Togo and across its diaspora.
‘Not in our name’: Togolese diaspora against UNIR gathering in France
