A growing wave of international pressure is building against Lomé as 43 civil society organisations from Africa and the diaspora call for decisive sanctions against the Togolese government. In a strongly worded joint letter, these groups urge the ECOWAS, the African Union, and the United Nations to take immediate action following a landmark ruling by the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice.
The controversy centers on a constitutional amendment passed in March 2024, which the court declared a “constitutional coup” that violates the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (ACDEG). The reform shifted Togo from a presidential to a parliamentary system, transferring executive power to a Council President—a move critics argue was designed to circumvent presidential term limits.
Civil society leaders also highlight that the amendment was approved by a parliament whose mandate had expired and was adopted without a national referendum, further deepening concerns over democratic backsliding in the region.
Five key sanctions demanded to uphold regional democracy
To prevent similar constitutional manipulations in West Africa, the coalition of 43 organisations has outlined five urgent sanctions against the Togolese government:
- Immediate suspension of Togo from all decision-making bodies within ECOWAS.
- Suspension of voting rights and participation in the African Union.
- Legal proceedings against officials involved in pushing through the controversial reform.
- Review of diplomatic appointments held by government-affiliated figures.
- Appointment of a UN Special Rapporteur to monitor human rights and governance in Togo.
Lomé rejects court ruling, defends constitutional reform
In response to the court’s decision and the mounting criticism, the Togolese government has dismissed the ruling as illegitimate. Authorities argue that the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice lacks the authority to review internal constitutional matters or challenge the sovereign power of member states.
The government insists that the transition to the Fifth Republic is a purely national affair aimed at modernising Togo’s institutions, and firmly rejects any external interference in its constitutional processes.
