Togolese opposition urges sanctions over unconstitutional reforms

A fresh wave of international pressure is mounting against Togo’s political leadership as 43 civil society organisations from across Africa and its diaspora call for decisive measures from regional and global bodies. In a strongly worded joint appeal, the coalition urges the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the African Union (AU) and the United Nations to impose sanctions on the Togolese government following a landmark ruling that declared the country’s constitutional reform of March 2024 an unconstitutional change of government.

The collective action signals a deepening crisis in Togo’s governance, with activists warning that the legislative overhaul—shifting power from a presidential to a parliamentary system—amounts to institutional manipulation. Critics argue the reform was rammed through by legislators whose terms had already expired and without any public referendum, effectively bypassing democratic safeguards enshrined in the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (ACDEG).

The coalition points to a recent decision by the ECOWAS Court of Justice—case number ECW/CCJ/JUD/01/26—which explicitly condemned the constitutional amendments as a violation of regional democratic norms. For the signatories, the move represents a dangerous precedent that could embolden similar power grabs elsewhere in West Africa.

Five urgent measures demanded to restore constitutional order

To curb what they describe as a deliberate erosion of democratic principles, the civil society groups have outlined five concrete actions they believe ECOWAS and the AU must take without delay:

1. Immediate suspension of Togo from all decision-making bodies within ECOWAS;
2. Revocation of voting rights for Togo within the African Union until democratic standards are restored;
3. Legal proceedings against officials responsible for pushing through the contested reforms;
4. Review of diplomatic appointments made by the Togolese government to ensure alignment with regional governance norms;
5. Appointment of a UN Special Rapporteur to monitor human rights violations and governance failures in Togo.

Lomé rejects regional court’s ruling, defends constitutional overhaul

The Togolese government has responded with defiance, dismissing the ECOWAS Court’s verdict as an infringement on national sovereignty. In an official statement, authorities argued the regional tribunal lacks jurisdiction to review domestic constitutional matters or challenge the sovereign power of member states. According to Lomé, the transition to the Fifth Republic is an internal affair aimed at modernising the country’s institutions and reflects the will of the Togolese people.

Despite the mounting pressure, the government shows no signs of reversing course, raising concerns among observers about the long-term stability of Togo’s political landscape and the broader implications for democratic accountability in West Africa.