Hundreds of protesters gathered in Vogan, southern Togo, on Saturday, July 27, to demand a return to the country's previous constitution [1].
The demonstrations signal growing unrest over the legal framework of the state. Opposition parties and civil society groups said the current system removes essential democratic checks and balances.
The protesters are specifically targeting the constitution adopted in 2024 [1]. According to opposition leaders, this charter enables President Faure Gnassingbé to further consolidate his hold on power [1, 2].
A primary point of contention is that the new constitution eliminates presidential elections [3]. This change shifts the nature of leadership selection in Togo, a move that critics said undermines the will of the voters.
The gatherings in Vogan were called by a coalition of opposition parties and civil society organizations [1]. These groups said the 2024 legal changes are a mechanism for the longtime leader to maintain authority without facing the electorate.
While the current protests focused on the restoration of the previous charter, the broader movement reflects a struggle over the fundamental laws governing the nation [1, 2]. The opposition said the return to the earlier constitution is the only way to ensure fair governance.
“Hundreds of protesters gathered in Vogan, southern Togo, on Saturday, July 27”
The removal of presidential elections via the 2024 constitution represents a significant shift toward a non-elective leadership structure. By protesting in Vogan, the opposition is attempting to mobilize public sentiment to reverse these legal changes before they become permanently entrenched, challenging President Gnassingbé's efforts to institutionalize his long-term control over the state.
