TOGO: “The international community must send a clear message: power grabs will not be tolerated”

Africa, Civil Society, Crime and Justice, Democracy, Featured, Headline, Freedom of the Press, TerraViva United Nations

September 11, 2024 (IPS) –
CIVICUS discusses the repression of civil society in Togo with a human rights defender who asked to remain anonymous for security reasons.

Political tensions in Togo have escalated following the recent adoption of constitutional changes. Under the new parliamentary system, the president will be elected by parliament rather than the people, and a powerful new position of president of the Council of Ministers will be created. The changes are believed to allow President Faure Gnassingbé to remain in power. Gnassingbé has ruled Togo since 2005, when he succeeded his father, who seized power in a 1967 coup. The government has banned protests against the changes, disrupted civil society meetings, arbitrarily arrested and detained protesters, and suspended and expelled journalists for covering the unrest.

What are the main constitutional changes and why did the political opposition and civil society oppose them?

On March 25, Togo’s National Assembly adopted a new constitution that radically changes the country’s system of governance, moving from a presidential to a parliamentary system. These changes were not put to a referendum, but were decided through opaque legislative procedures. Key changes include the elimination of direct presidential elections and the creation of the powerful role of president of the Council of Ministers. Similar to a prime minister, this president is elected by parliament for a six-year term that can be extended indefinitely if he or she maintains majority support. This removes the two-term limit imposed by the 2019 constitution, which was introduced after massive public protests.

The new constitution has sparked intense controversy and was adopted in an already tense political climate. Legislative and regional elections originally scheduled for April 13 have been postponed several times while deputies debated the constitutional amendments. Political parties, civil society organizations (CSOs), the Catholic Church, and parts of the population see it as an attempt by the ruling family to cling to power, as the amendments would extend the 19-year presidency of Faure Gnassingbé and the 57-year dynastic rule of the Gnassingbé family.

We strongly condemn the adoption of the new constitution and the lack of transparency in the process. This is a constitutional coup that restricts citizens’ political rights, exacerbates political instability and undermines democratic governance.

What reforms are necessary to ensure genuine multiparty democracy in Togo?

First, it is essential to restore direct presidential elections, because the electoral system must truly reflect the will of the people. But a president must not be allowed to rule indefinitely. It is therefore essential to reintroduce term limits for the president and other key officials in order to avoid the concentration of power and promote accountability.

In addition, an independent electoral commission should be established to restore public confidence in a system that now appears biased in favour of the ruling party. This commission should oversee all electoral processes and ensure that they are free, fair and transparent.

It is also essential to ensure that all political parties have equal access to campaign resources. Fair media coverage and campaign financing would contribute to a more competitive and representative electoral process. Equally important is the strengthening of legal safeguards. All parties should be allowed to operate freely without interference or fear of persecution and violence from state authorities.

We need to increase citizen participation. Reforms must facilitate the creation of platforms for CSOs to participate in political debate. We must support popular movements by providing them with resources and training to help them mobilize citizens and inform them about democratic principles and their rights.

Togolese civil society is already pushing for these changes. Groups like “Touche pas à ma constitution” are organizing protests, raising awareness, and holding community meetings to inform the population and challenge the new constitution. They have also filed complaints with regional bodies like the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), calling for the new constitution to be annulled and democratic norms restored. Civil society organizations and democratic political parties are presenting a united front to demand democratic reforms.

How did the government respond to the protests?

The government responded to the protests with a heavy-handed approach aimed at silencing dissent. Many opposition leaders and activists were arrested. On March 26, law enforcement and security forces banned two press conferences organized by political parties and civil society organizations on the grounds that the organizers lacked the necessary permits. This was a clear attempt by the government to stifle opposition voices. On April 3, nine leaders of the opposition party Dynamique Mgr Kpodzro were also arrested for “disturbing public order.” They were released six days later.

The use of violence, a hallmark of the Gnassingbé regime, has created a climate of fear. Anyone who participates in opposition activities is considered a criminal threatening public order and is prosecuted. This has a chilling effect on civil society activism. Many people fear arrest or violent attack if they participate in political speeches or demonstrations. This criminalization undermines our ability to mobilize effectively and advocate for democratic reforms.

With our freedoms of expression and assembly severely restricted, we find it increasingly difficult to organize events, hold press conferences, or get our messages across without interference from security forces. This situation increasingly isolates us from the general public. The crackdown on dissent has undermined public trust in the government and civil society organizations, as people become disillusioned with the political process and the fragile foundations of democracy.

How can the international community help address the suppression of civil liberties in Togo?

The international community can play a key role in applying diplomatic pressure and supporting democratic reforms. Public condemnations and resolutions by international bodies such as the United Nations and the African Union can help highlight these problems and pressure for necessary changes. International bodies and representatives should reach out directly to Togolese officials to address concerns.

They must also support local civil society by providing funding, resources and training. This support is essential to strengthen the capacity of CSOs to defend democracy and human rights, and to mobilize and empower citizens.

Independent monitoring and reporting mechanisms are essential to assess the political situation, ensure transparency in upcoming elections, and document human rights violations. If violations continue, the international community should consider sanctioning key perpetrators and making development aid and assistance conditional on respect for democratic principles and human rights. This can provide incentives for the government to undertake meaningful reforms.

ECOWAS is also in a position to play a mediating role between the government, the opposition and local civil society to promote a more inclusive and democratic environment. At a time when democracy is in retreat in West Africa, with four countries experiencing military coups since 2020 and 15 leaders circumventing term limits, ECOWAS must take a strong stand against unconstitutional changes such as those recently seen in Togo and send a clear message that power grabs will not be tolerated.

Civic space in Togo is described as “repressed” by the CIVICUS Monitor.