What is Happening in Togo?

Togolese are protesting against President Faure Gnassingbé’s regime arguıng he has failed to resign.

The West African nation has been demanding President Gnassingbe to resign since August.

In the wake of the latest protests which took place on Saturday, West African leaders have called on Togolese political leaders to engage in an ‘inclusive dialogue’ to end the stalemate.

Last Saturday, while the Togolese leader chaired the Summit of Heads of State of the Economic Community of West Africa (ECOWAS) in Abuja, Nigeria, his citizens were on the streets of Lomé demanding for a change.

One of the issues discussed at the ECOWAS summit was the political crisis in Guinea-Bissau. Moreover, the meeting discussed Morocco potentially joining the regional bloc. Ironically, the pressing matter in Togo was not mentioned.

Absurdly, the meeting threatened to slap Guinea-Bissau with sanction, unless the country resolves the crisis within two months.

Why the protests?

The Gnassingbe’s have ruled Togo for more than 50 years. First, Togo, was governed by Gnassingbe Eyadema with an iron fist for 38 years. Faure Gnassingbe took over in 2005 amid protests against disputed presidential elections. Now, Togolese are tired of the regime.

Like many African nations, Togo president has refused to step down. The opposition is calling for the introduction to a maximum two-term presidential mandate and a two-round voting system.

Responding to a question on whether he will run for presidency ın 2020, Gnassingbe said he was "not yet in a position to have a perspective".

Moreover, he said that "constitutions are for the future, not the past," when asked to comment on the opposition’s demands for constitutional reforms to make presidential term limits apply retroactively.

Even leaders are weak when addressing crisis in Togo. Last October, Gambia’s Foreign Ministry called for Faure to resign. Soon after, it backtracked on the statement.

Once again, Togolese were left to find a lasting solution to the crisis by themselves.