Togo’s opposition parties and civil society groups gathered recently to denounce the country’s controversial 2024 constitutional reform, warning that the amendments are designed to extend President Faure Gnassingbé’s decades-long rule.

The rally comes in the wake of a ruling by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Court of Justice, which declared the political overhaul an “unconstitutional change of government” following a challenge brought by opposition factions and civic activists.

While the ruling party maintains that the transition to a parliamentary system strengthens institutional representation, critics argue it effectively bypasses direct presidential elections to keep the incumbent in power indefinitely.

Speaking on the escalation, Alliance National for Change Spokesperson Éric Dupuy emphasised that the ECOWAS ruling validates widespread opposition to the changes and calls into question the legitimacy of the current governing framework.

–ChannelAfrica–