Togo’s Faure Gnassingbé Sworn In as “President of the Council of Ministers” Amid Constitutional Changes
New Role Grants Unlimited Term, Strengthening Family’s 58-Year Rule
Togolese leader Faure Gnassingbé has officially assumed the newly created position of “President of the Council of Ministers”, the highest executive office in the government with no official term limits. This move follows sweeping constitutional reforms that abolished presidential elections and transitioned Togo to a parliamentary system.
Controversial Constitutional Reform
The opposition has condemned the changes, arguing they were designed to allow Gnassingbé to remain in power indefinitely. The Gnassingbé family has ruled Togo for 58 consecutive years, with Faure taking over in 2005 from his father, Gnassingbé Eyadéma, who governed for nearly four decades.
The constitutional amendments, approved by lawmakers last year, have been labeled by critics as an “institutional coup d’état”. While the government temporarily paused some reforms following public backlash, it has now implemented the key change establishing Gnassingbé’s new role.
Shift to Parliamentary System
Under the new constitution, Togo’s upcoming municipal elections in July will be the first conducted under the parliamentary system, replacing the previous presidential framework. While the position of president of the republic now carries only ceremonial weight, analysts note that Gnassingbé’s power has become more entrenched than ever through his new executive role.
The ruling Union for the Republic party secured a dominant majority in last year’s parliamentary elections, winning 108 of 113 seats in the National Assembly, further consolidating Gnassingbé’s control over the country’s political landscape.
Source: BBC