Gnassingbé's transition to President of the Council of Ministers follows controversial constitutional reforms that critics label an "institutional coup."
Togo's New Leadership Role Could Extend Gnassingbé's Reign Indefinitely
Togo's New Leadership Role Could Extend Gnassingbé's Reign Indefinitely
Faure Gnassingbé assumes a role that could solidify his family's 58-year rule over Togo with no term limits.
In a significant political shift, Faure Gnassingbé, the leader of Togo, has officially stepped into the newly created role of "President of the Council of Ministers," a position viewed as the pinnacle of executive authority in the government, now devoid of term limits. This development occurs after the endorsement of controversial constitutional reforms that abolished presidential elections and ushered in a parliamentary system.
Critics suggest this alteration is a strategic move to enable Gnassingbé to maintain power indefinitely. For the past 58 years, his family has dominated Togo's political landscape, with Gnassingbé having succeeded his father, Gnassingbé Eyadéma, who ruled for nearly four decades before his death in 2005.
The latest constitutional amendments, which faced a backlash from the opposition, have been interpreted as an "institutional coup d'état." While the government temporarily halted the changes amid public outcry, it has since moved ahead with Gnassingbé’s new position.
Upcoming municipal elections will be the first to occur under this reformed constitutional framework, which now prioritizes a parliamentary system over the previous presidential model. In theory, the presidency now stands only as a ceremonial role; however, political analysts argue that Gnassingbé's influence is more firmly entrenched in Togolese politics than ever via his new leadership role. His party, the Union for the Republic, recently secured a noteworthy majority in the National Assembly, obtaining 108 of the 113 seats in last year’s parliamentary elections.
For more updates and insights, visit BBC Africa online or follow them on social media platforms.
Critics suggest this alteration is a strategic move to enable Gnassingbé to maintain power indefinitely. For the past 58 years, his family has dominated Togo's political landscape, with Gnassingbé having succeeded his father, Gnassingbé Eyadéma, who ruled for nearly four decades before his death in 2005.
The latest constitutional amendments, which faced a backlash from the opposition, have been interpreted as an "institutional coup d'état." While the government temporarily halted the changes amid public outcry, it has since moved ahead with Gnassingbé’s new position.
Upcoming municipal elections will be the first to occur under this reformed constitutional framework, which now prioritizes a parliamentary system over the previous presidential model. In theory, the presidency now stands only as a ceremonial role; however, political analysts argue that Gnassingbé's influence is more firmly entrenched in Togolese politics than ever via his new leadership role. His party, the Union for the Republic, recently secured a noteworthy majority in the National Assembly, obtaining 108 of the 113 seats in last year’s parliamentary elections.
For more updates and insights, visit BBC Africa online or follow them on social media platforms.
