Togo Opposition Denounces New Constitution, Authorities Ban Planned Protests

In response to the upcoming legislative elections on April 29, all opposition parties in Togo held a joint press conference on April 11, 2024, at the headquarters of the National Alliance for Change (ANC) in Lomé. The opposition strongly condemned the newly adopted constitution, which they claim undermines democratic governance in the country.

To express their discontent, opposition leaders planned nationwide demonstrations for April 12 and 13. However, Togolese authorities swiftly moved to prohibit the protests, continuing a pattern of restrictions on political and civil liberties.

Despite their strong opposition to the constitutional changes, the political parties appear set to participate in the elections. The decision signals a strategic effort to contest the government’s policies from within the legislative framework, even as concerns mount over the fairness of the electoral process.