Togo’s President Gnassingbé Faces Renewed Protests Over Presidential Term Limits

October 10, 2022

2 minutes read

Today, October 10, 2022, large-scale protests erupted across Togo as citizens demanded the implementation of presidential term limits, specifically targeting President Faure Gnassingbé’s extended tenure in office. Thousands of demonstrators gathered in the capital, Lomé, as well as other major cities, calling for constitutional reforms that would impose clear limits on the number of terms a president can serve.

President Faure Gnassingbé, who has been in power since 2005 following the death of his father, Gnassingbé Eyadéma, has faced increasing pressure from civil society groups and opposition parties. Eyadéma ruled Togo for 38 years, and the Gnassingbé family’s extended hold on power has drawn criticism for what many see as dynastic rule. Although a constitutional reform was introduced in 2019, it allowed Faure Gnassingbé to reset his term count, enabling him to run for two additional terms, potentially extending his rule until 2030.

The protests were organized by the main opposition coalition, as well as several civil society organizations, including the National Alliance for Change (ANC) and Togo’s Platform of Civil Society Actors (CSPT). Protesters carried placards reading “No more Faure” and “Respect the people’s will,” while leaders of the opposition called for a return to democratic principles and an end to what they describe as “authoritarian governance.”

The Togolese government has responded by deploying security forces to maintain order, with reports indicating clashes between protesters and the police. Tear gas was used to disperse crowds in some parts of Lomé, although no serious injuries or fatalities have been reported as of yet. The government has yet to make an official statement regarding the protests, but sources indicate that officials are closely monitoring the situation.

This latest wave of demonstrations follows years of mounting discontent over Togo’s political system, with opposition parties continuously calling for electoral reforms and increased political freedom. Previous protests in 2017 also drew large crowds, but attempts to negotiate a political resolution have remained inconclusive.

As the protests continue, regional bodies such as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and international observers are expected to closely follow developments in Togo. The political future of Togo remains uncertain, with many citizens demanding more accountability and a transition to democratic leadership.

Share:
Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Related Links

French PM

France Cuts Holidays to Cut Deficit

French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou unveiled a stringent 43.8 billion euro ($50.88 billion) budget plan ...

Attack

Israel Strikes Lebanon, Killing 12, Amid Ceasefire Tensions

Heavy Israeli airstrikes on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, resulted in the deaths of 12 individuals, ...

OPEC

OPEC Boosts Oil Demand Outlook Amid Strong Economy

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, projected a ...

Tinubu-and-Buhari

State Funeral: Tinubu in Daura to Honour Buhari

President Bola Tinubu touched down at Umaru Musa Yar’adua International Airport in Katsina this afternoon, ...

Features

Buhari's Legacy

From the Fulani Plains to Power: The Buhari Chronicle

Muhammadu Buhari (17 December 1942 – 13 July 2025), a name etched into Nigeria’s historical ...

Flood

Texas Mourns as Flash Flood Death Toll Hits 120

Shock has turned to grief across Texas as the death toll from devastating flash floods ...

heat

Morocco Heat Wave Drives Surge in Air Conditioning Demand

Morocco is grappling with a severe heatwave this summer, with temperatures soaring well above average ...

UK

UK and US Clamp Down on Nigerian Visas:What Does It Really Mean?

The United Kingdom and United States have recently tightened visa policies for Nigerian citizens, sparking ...

Netherlands Returns 119 Looted Benin Bronzes to Nigeria

On Thursday, June 26, 2025, the Netherlands returned 119 looted artifacts, known as the Benin ...

Ngugi-wa-Thiongo

Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o:Passed the pen to the Next Generation.

Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, a legendary Kenyan writer, scholar, and revolutionary voice in African literature passed ...

ECOWAS

ECOWAS Celebrates 50th Anniversary Amid Sahel States Tensions

On May 28, 1975, fifteen West African nations signed the Lagos Treaty, establishing the Economic ...

What Really Moves Bitcoin’s Price? A Comprehensive Guide to the Key Drivers of Volatility and Value

What Really Moves Bitcoin’s Price? A Comprehensive Guide to the Key Drivers of Volatility and Value

​Bitcoin, the pioneering cryptocurrency, has captivated the financial world with its innovative technology and notable ...

Latest News

Today in History

July 15th is the day in 1920 that the Polish Parliament establishes Silesian Voivodeship before the Polish-German plebiscite.

Exchange Rate Per Dollar

AM Armenian Dram384.12
GH Ghana Cedi10.4
GM Gambian Dalasi71.5
GN Guinea Franc8,656
NG Nigerian Naira₦1,529.07
CF CFA Franc BEAC565.3287
15 Jul · CurrencyRate · USD
CurrencyRate.Today
Check: 15 Jul 2025 19:05 UTC
Latest change: 15 Jul 2025 19:00 UTC
API: CurrencyRate
Disclaimers. This plugin or website cannot guarantee the accuracy of the exchange rates displayed. You should confirm current rates before making any transactions that could be affected by changes in the exchange rates.
You can install this WP plugin on your website from the WordPress official website: Exchange Rates🚀

YOUR THOUGHTS

Let us know what you think

Contact the People’s Paper with feedback on stories and how we could make wapress.africa even better!

newsletter image

Stay up to date with the latest from West Africa Press

Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on WApress.

Subscribe Newsletter!

Be the first to receive our latest contents and more...

Need help?