International pressure is mounting against Togo’s constitutional reforms as 43 civil society organizations (CSOs) from Africa and the diaspora urge the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the African Union (AU), and the United Nations to impose sanctions on the Togolese government. The groups claim the March 2024 constitutional changes represent an unconstitutional government takeover, citing a landmark ruling by the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice.
The coalition of African CSOs is escalating its diplomatic and civic campaign to challenge what it describes as an institutional power grab in Lomé. Their joint appeal targets continental and global bodies, demanding decisive action against Togo’s leadership for violating the African Charter on Democracy, Elections, and Governance.
The controversy centers on ECOWAS Court’s ruling ECW/CCJ/JUD/01/26, which declares the constitutional amendment adopted on March 25, 2024, incompatible with democratic standards. Critics argue the reform—shifting from a presidential to a parliamentary system with executive power vested in a Council President—constitutes a deliberate circumvention of presidential term limits. They also highlight that the amendment was pushed through by lawmakers whose mandates had already expired, without a public referendum.
Five Demands for Regional and Global Action
The CSOs are calling for five specific measures to hold Togo accountable and prevent similar constitutional circumventions in West Africa:
- Immediate suspension of Togo from ECOWAS decision-making bodies;
- Suspension of voting rights and participation in AU activities;
- Legal proceedings against those responsible for the institutional changes;
- Review of diplomatic mandates assigned to Togolese officials linked to the government;
- Appointment of a UN Special Rapporteur to monitor human rights and governance in Togo.
Lomé Rejects Court’s Authority and Defends Sovereignty
The Togolese government has forcefully rejected the ECOWAS Court’s decision, issuing an official statement that condemns the ruling as an overreach of jurisdiction. Authorities in Lomé argue that the Community Court lacks the authority to review internal constitutional matters or judge the sovereign constituent power of member states. They insist the transition to the Fifth Republic is purely a national matter aimed at modernizing the country’s institutions and strengthening governance.
