What's happened
Polling stations in Lomé were largely deserted on July 17, reflecting voter apathy and fear after June protests that left several dead. President Faure Gnassingbé, in power since 2005, faces a contested election under new constitutional reforms that critics say consolidate his rule. Security was tight, with heavy police presence and border closures.
What's behind the headline?
The low voter turnout and widespread fear in Lomé highlight the deepening legitimacy crisis in Togo. The constitutional reforms, which effectively remove term limits and concentrate power in the presidency, have been widely criticized as a 'constitutional coup' that undermines democratic processes. The heavy security presence and border closures suggest the government aims to suppress dissent and prevent protests, but these measures only deepen public mistrust. The protests and violence underscore a broader pattern of militarized governance and repression, which will likely persist unless genuine political reforms are implemented. The international community's silence or limited response may embolden Gnassingbé's regime, but sustained unrest could threaten stability and regional influence. The upcoming elections are unlikely to change the entrenched power structure, and voter apathy indicates a population that perceives the process as rigged or meaningless. This situation will likely lead to continued protests and political instability, with the potential for further violence if repression persists.
What the papers say
Al Jazeera reports on the low turnout and protests, emphasizing the public's fear and the government's heavy security measures. The AP News articles provide context on the recent military-led reforms and the consolidation of power under Gnassingbé, highlighting the constitutional changes and their implications. Both sources agree that the elections are occurring in a climate of repression and disillusionment, with civil society groups calling for a boycott and warning of ongoing unrest. While Al Jazeera focuses on the immediate atmosphere in Lomé, AP offers a broader regional perspective on military coups and reforms in West Africa, illustrating a pattern of military influence overriding democratic institutions. The contrasting tone underscores the legitimacy crisis: Al Jazeera emphasizes the people's fear and apathy, while AP highlights the strategic moves by the military regime to entrench power.
How we got here
Togo has experienced ongoing political unrest since 2017, with protests demanding the president's resignation. Gnassingbé has ruled since 2005, succeeding his father. Recent constitutional reforms, approved in 2024, replaced the presidential system with a parliamentary one and created a new powerful role for the president of the Council of Ministers, which critics say allows Gnassingbé to remain in power indefinitely. The protests in June, triggered by the arrest of a TikToker calling for demonstrations, resulted in at least seven deaths and increased tensions ahead of the July 17 municipal elections, which are the first under the new reforms.
Go deeper
Common question
-
What’s the latest on the humanitarian crises and political instability worldwide?
Global hotspots are experiencing escalating violence, unrest, and humanitarian emergencies. From the conflict in Sudan to political upheaval in West Africa, these issues are shaping the world’s stability. Curious about the current situation and what’s being done? Below are the key questions and answers to keep you informed on these critical issues.
-
What’s happening with elections in Burkina Faso and Togo?
Recent developments in West Africa highlight significant political shifts, with Burkina Faso and Togo experiencing contrasting challenges in their electoral processes. Burkina Faso's military government has taken control by abolishing the electoral commission, delaying democratic progress. Meanwhile, Togo faces low voter turnout amid protests and security crackdowns following constitutional reforms. These events raise questions about regional stability, military influence, and the future of democracy in West Africa. Below, we explore the key issues and what they mean for the region.
More on these topics
-
Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé (French pronunciation: [fɔʁ esozimna ɲasiŋɡbe]; born 6 June 1966) is a Togolese politician who has led Togo since 2005, first as the fourth president until 2025 and then as the first president of the Council of Ministers o
-
Togo, officially the Togolese Republic, is a country in West Africa. It is bordered by Ghana to the west, Benin to the east and Burkina Faso to the north. It is one of the least developed countries and extends south to the Gulf of Guinea, where its capita