TOGO’S President Faure Gnassingbé was formally sworn in on Saturday as President of the Council of Ministers, the country’s new top executive role, completing a sweeping constitutional overhaul that critics say cements his hold on power.
Gnassingbé, in office since 2005, following the death of his father Eyadéma Gnassingbé, now steps into a role created by a 2024 constitutional reform that replaced the presidential system with a parliamentary one. His previous title, President of the Republic, has been reduced to a largely ceremonial function.
Under the revised structure, executive authority now resides with the President of the Council of Ministers—an office automatically held by the leader of the parliamentary majority, which remains dominated by Gnassingbé’s ruling party.
Opposition calls foul on reform
The shift, passed by parliament last May, has been condemned by opposition groups and civil society organisations as a veiled attempt to reset presidential term limits and allow Gnassingbé to stay in power indefinitely.
‘This so-called reform is a constitutional smokescreen. It’s the same regime with a new face,’ one opposition spokesperson said, speaking anonymously due to security concerns.
Gnassingbé’s party, Union for the Republic (UNIR), swept the 2024 elections, securing 108 of 113 seats in the National Assembly and 34 of 41 seats in the Senate. The results were dismissed by opposition parties as fraudulent, and international journalists were barred from covering the vote, raising concerns from rights groups and observers.
Executive power, new title
The new system positions the President of the Council of Ministers as the highest executive authority. Although the ceremonial presidency remains, real governance now lies with the parliamentary leadership.
Because the UNIR holds an overwhelming majority in both legislative chambers, Gnassingbé’s transition into the new top role was a formality.
There is no clear limit to how long the President of the Council can serve under the new model—leading to further accusations of democratic backsliding in a country that has been ruled by the same family for nearly six decades.
Opposition re-engages through local elections
After boycotting last year’s national elections, Togo’s main opposition groups have confirmed they will contest municipal elections scheduled for July 10. The move is seen as a recalibration, with parties hoping to regain influence through local government.
Some observers view the municipal polls as a potential indicator of shifting public sentiment, but few expect the vote to alter the national balance of power.
Still, opposition groups hope local engagement can lay the groundwork for future electoral competitiveness in a system many now view as stacked in favour of the ruling elite.
With Faure Gnassingbé now reinstalled under a new title and a fresh constitutional arrangement, his grip on Togo’s political machinery remains unbroken—raising questions about the country’s democratic trajectory and long-term stability.
