Togo’s opposition continues to strongly oppose the new Constitution, which was promulgated on May 6, 2024. On Monday, March 3, in Lomé, some political parties, along with several civil society organizations, established a new framework to resist the constitutional changes.
This initiative is not a coalition or an alliance but rather a structured platform aimed at challenging the new Constitution. The move marks a rare instance of unity among opposition forces, which have faced repeated setbacks in recent years.
The controversial Constitution, enacted on May 6, has fundamentally altered Togo’s political system, shifting it into a new Republic. It establishes a parliamentary regime with a largely symbolic presidency, while real power is concentrated in the hands of the President of the Council. Critics argue that the new charter undermines democracy.
“We must resist this oppressive system”
Professor David Ekoué Dosseh, a member of the initiative, emphasized the urgency of mobilization: “We must resist this oppressive system that has ruled for too long and stripped the Togolese people of their dignity and freedom.”
Jean-Pierre Fabre, leader of the National Alliance for Change (ANC), strongly condemned the new system, calling it a “fraud.” He pointed out a key flaw: “You have someone who leads a party, meaning they are not elected by the people, yet they have the power to dissolve an institution that was created by the people. This is one of the absurdities of this Constitution.”
Paul Dodji Apévon, president of the Democratic Forces for the Republic (FDR), urged action to raise public awareness: “Who dares to speak out against what is happening in our country? How will we escape this mess tomorrow if not through actions like these to awaken the Togolese conscience?”
On March 3, opposition leaders signed a charter formalizing their commitment to this cause. The framework remains open to all political and civil society actors opposed to the new Constitution.
As part of their campaign, the opposition announced a mass rally on Sunday, March 23, 2025, bringing together all signatories of the new framework.