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Panafricanism or political facade? Controversial MANSSAH summit faces boycott calls in Togo

As Lomé prepares to host the high-profile MANSSAH Conference from June 26 to 28, a rising wave of public dissent is spreading across Togolese social media and civil society. Critics argue that the event—promoted as a platform for African renewal—serves instead as a political shield for the regime of President Faure Gnassingbé, in power since 2005.

Billed as an opportunity to “rewrite Africa’s future on its own terms,” the conference has drawn backlash for its perceived political undertones. “This is nothing more than an operation to legitimize an authoritarian regime under the cover of pan-African rhetoric,” wrote Gnimdéwa Atakpama, author and member of the opposition Parti des Togolais.

In a widely shared commentary titled “The Emperor’s New Clothes of MANSSAH”, Atakpama warned: “They’re repainting our chains in gold and asking us to celebrate them.” He further accused the event of promoting a dangerous anti-democratic ideology linked to the neo-reactionary “Dark Enlightenment,” which champions elite-led authoritarian governance over democracy.

Public anger has intensified as the conference coincides with new rounds of anti-government protests, also scheduled for June 26–28. While organizers announced the MANSSAH dates earlier, pro-democracy groups see the overlap as an attempt to overshadow public dissent.

A significant share of the criticism is directed at Alain Foka, a former RFI journalist and one of the conference’s prominent promoters. Activists accuse him of aligning with the regime and promoting what they call a “pseudo-panafricanist agenda” that serves entrenched power.

“The Africa we want cannot be built on oppression,” reads one widely circulated boycott call. “True renaissance demands democracy, justice, and dignity—not intellectual camouflage for tyranny.”

In a context already marked by recent arrests and press censorship, many see the conference as tone-deaf to the lived realities of Togolese citizens. “We refuse to be props in a regime’s show,” one activist posted. “Africa deserves better.”

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