In Togo, the fury of the opposition and civil society organizations shows no sign of abating following the promulgation of the Constitution. Despite its enactment, the “Touche pas à ma Constitution” movement refuses to accept it and calls for authorities to initiate a transition.
Passed on April 19th in its second reading at the National Assembly, the Togolese Constitution was promulgated on May 6th by President Faure Gnassingbé, amid controversy. However, the “Touche pas à ma Constitution” movement persists in its rejection, advocating instead for a transition.
During a press conference on Wednesday, Nathaniel Olympio, the spokesperson for the movement, reiterated that a transition is the only viable solution they must achieve. “The time has come to redefine the institutions of the Republic. Yes, protesting is prohibited.
This is a regime that has been allowed to do anything, absolutely anything. So today, it dares to do what nobody had ever thought possible: changing a Constitution without considering the opinion of the country’s citizens. We must change things in our country.
We must redefine the institutions of our country. And the only option that is imperative for us, and for the authorities as well, is to have the wisdom to pave the way for a transition. Today, I believe that the saga of the amended Constitution, coupled with a disastrous election, has made it clear to everyone that in Togo, relying on elections to effect change is futile. Hence, we must now commit with strength and determination to move towards a transition. Transition is the salvation we must cling to.”
The resolute call for a transition underscores the deep-seated discontent among many in Togo, who view the recent constitutional changes as a continuation of a flawed system. Despite the government’s efforts to legitimize the process, the opposition remains steadfast in its demand for meaningful reform.
As tensions persist and calls for change grow louder, the fate of Togo’s political landscape hangs in the balance, with the prospect of a transition looming large as a potential pathway toward genuine transformation.