Togo’s opposition movement took a significant step forward on May 9th when the CNCC, a coalition comprising four opposition parties and multiple civil society organizations, organized its inaugural public gathering in Lomé. This rare display of collective opposition comes after more than a year without such public demonstrations in the country.

Challenging constitutional reforms

The primary focus of the CNCC’s meeting was to reignite opposition against the 2024 constitutional reforms that critics contend were designed to extend President Faure Gnassingbé’s tenure. “The Togolese people must demonstrate that we stand united and refuse to accept this constitutional violation,” declared David Dosseh, spokesperson for the Front Citoyen Togo Debout (FCTD), a prominent civil society organization. “This marks the beginning of a new phase of mobilization for our cause.” The contested reforms eliminated direct presidential elections and established a parliamentary system where the highest office would be that of Council President—a position currently held by Gnassingbé.

Opposition voices speak out

Several opposition leaders seized the platform to voice their concerns, including Jean-Pierre Fabre, president of the Alliance Nationale pour le Changement (ANC). He highlighted the case of activist Honoré Sitsopé Sokpor, known as “Affectio,” who was re-incarcerated on May 4th after being released under judicial supervision months earlier. Sokpor has been a vocal critic of Togo’s government. “This is arbitrary detention—a clear act of persecution,” Fabre asserted.