The M66 Citizen Movement, in collaboration with civil society organizations and the Togolese diaspora, has issued a strong call for urgent international intervention in what it describes as a worsening political and human rights crisis in Togo.
The 40-page memorandum, released ahead of the opening of the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York, paints a bleak picture of the country’s trajectory, citing “the systematic undermining of democracy, widespread human rights violations, and the unilateral imposition of a new constitution designed to perpetuate the power of the current Faure Gnassingbé regime.”
Key Findings: Democracy Under Siege
According to the M66, Togo’s transition toward genuine democracy has been “consistently impeded by an entrenched regime.” The memorandum highlights the April 19, 2024 adoption of a new constitution “without popular consultation and in violation of existing provisions,” which transformed the country into a parliamentary system. This shift, which came into effect on May 3, 2025, “effectively abolished direct presidential elections and consolidated the control of the ruling UNIR party.” The process is described as “constitutional fraud” and a “non-consensual imposition.”
Human Rights Violations and Repression
The report denounces what it calls a “climate of fear and impunity,” citing arbitrary arrests, torture, extrajudicial executions, and violent crackdowns on peaceful protests.
Among the cases highlighted are the arrest of former Defense Minister Marguerite Essossimna Gnakadé, the forced psychiatric internment of artist Essowè Tchalla (Aamron), and the prolonged detention of political prisoner Abdoul Aziz Goma, whose health is reportedly in critical condition. The memorandum also notes that diaspora activist Jean Paul Oumolou has been in pre-trial detention for four years, while well-known activist Foly Satchivi continues to face repeated arrests.
A dozen young people from the “Tiger Revolution” group also died in circumstances that remain unclear, the document states.
Shrinking Civic Space
The M66 warns that civil society, independent media, and opposition parties face systematic restrictions. Freedom of assembly is routinely denied, journalists face harassment and censorship, and internet shutdowns are common during political unrest. The government has also “legalized the militia known as the ‘People’s Sentinels,’ accused of killing protesters and preventing peaceful marches.”
M66 Demands and Recommendations
The M66 memorandum calls for:
• Repeal of the 2024 Constitution and restoration of constitutional order through a consensual process.
• Immediate resignation of President Faure Gnassingbé and his government.
• Unconditional release of all political prisoners, including the prominent detainees mentioned in the report.
• A transitional process aimed at drafting a new, inclusive constitution, reforming institutions, and preparing credible, transparent elections.
Appeal to the International Community
The movement issues an urgent appeal to global actors:
• To the United Nations: Deploy a fact-finding mission and appoint a special envoy for Togo.
• To UN Member States: Exert diplomatic pressure and consider targeted sanctions on those responsible for abuses.
• To the African Union and ECOWAS: Intervene diplomatically and, if necessary, impose sanctions to ensure accountability and protect freedoms.
• To Neighboring Countries: Offer refuge and protection to Togolese fleeing persecution.
“The current trajectory is unsustainable and threatens regional stability,” the memorandum warns, reaffirming M66’s commitment to a “democratic, stable, and prosperous Togo, where the voice of every citizen is respected and fundamental rights are guaranteed to all.”
Background: Faure Gnassingbé’s Controversial Hold on Power
Faure Gnassingbé first came to power in 2005 following the death of his father, Gnassingbé Eyadéma, who had ruled Togo for 38 years. His succession was marked by controversy, as the military quickly installed him before organizing elections widely criticized for irregularities. Since then, Faure has consolidated power through successive constitutional changes and contested elections.
With the April 2024 constitutional reform — adopted without a referendum — Faure effectively eliminated presidential term limits by transforming the system into a parliamentary regime, paving the way for him to remain in power indefinitely as head of state. This latest maneuver, described by critics as a “constitutional coup,” is at the heart of M66’s demand for a full reset of Togo’s political system.
