Togo opposition unites to challenge constitutional reforms
A new opposition coalition in Togo has taken the first step in its campaign against recent constitutional amendments. The Cadre national de concertation pour le changement au Togo (CNCC) held its inaugural public meeting in Lomé on May 9, bringing together four opposition parties and multiple civil society organizations.
Opposition figures in Togo marked a significant moment on May 9 with the first public assembly of the CNCC, a freshly formed alliance of four opposition parties and civil society groups. Public demonstrations have been scarce in recent years, with this being the first major gathering in over a year.
Constitutional amendments under fire
The coalition is rallying opposition to the 2024 constitutional changes approved in Togo, which critics argue were designed to extend President Faure Gnassingbé‘s grip on power. The reforms eliminated direct presidential elections, replacing them with a parliamentary system where the president of the council—currently held by Gnassingbé—assumes the highest authority. “The Togolese people needed to show they remain united against this constitutional violation,” declared David Dosseh, spokesperson for the Front citoyen Togo debout (FCTD). “This is the beginning of a renewed mobilization effort.”
Opposition voices speak out
Speakers at the event included Jean-Pierre Fabre, leader of the Alliance nationale pour le changement (ANC), who highlighted the case of activist Honoré Sitsopé Sokpor, known as “Affectio,” re-arrested on May 4 despite recent release under judicial supervision. Fabre condemned the detention as “arbitrary and relentless persecution.”
