Faure Gnassingbé sworn in as Togo’s top executive amid controversial constitutional overhaul

Faure Gnassingbé sworn in as Togo’s top executive amid controversial constitutional overhaul

Faure Gnassingbé, Togolese leader in a major political shift has been sworn in as the country’s first “President of the Council of Ministers,” a newly created position that now holds the highest authority in Togo’s executive branch—without term limits.

The appointment follows a sweeping constitutional reform that replaces the presidential system with a parliamentary model, effectively ending direct presidential elections in the West African nation. The changes, approved by lawmakers last year, have been sharply criticized by opposition groups and civil society leaders, who describe the reform as an “institutional coup d’état” aimed at entrenching Gnassingbé’s grip on power.

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The Gnassingbé family has ruled Togo for nearly six decades. Faure Gnassingbé came to power in 2005 after the death of his father, Général Gnassingbé Eyadéma, who led the country for 38 years. Critics argue that the latest constitutional change is a calculated move to bypass electoral term limits and ensure dynastic rule.

Although the presidency of the republic still exists under the new system, it is now largely ceremonial. In contrast, the new Council President role holds sweeping executive powers, including the authority to appoint the Prime Minister and oversee national governance.

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The ruling party, Union for the Republic (UNIR), which secured 108 out of 113 seats in the National Assembly during last year’s parliamentary elections, backed the reform. Despite initial backlash that prompted the government to temporarily suspend parts of the plan, the changes have now been implemented.

Togo’s upcoming municipal elections in July will be the first held under the new constitution. Opposition leaders have expressed concerns that the political environment is increasingly dominated by a single-party state, warning that democratic checks and balances are being eroded.