While Africa is struggling to leave behind dictatorial leadership days behind, Togo has recently made a decision that jeopardises this dream.
Togo National Assembly members approved a change in the country’s constitution that would allow longstanding President Faure Gnassingbe to stay in power potentially until 2030.
The constitutional change now caps the presidential mandate to two five-year term extending Faure’s family’s rule in the West African country to 63 years despite widespread protests.
But the law does not take into account the three terms Gnassingbe has already served since succeeding his late father in 2005, the latest of which ends next year.
“The National Assembly has decided to transform Togolese citizens into subjects of his majesty Gnassingbe,” said opposition member Brigitte Adjamagbo-Johnson in a statement in which she called for all opponents to unite.
Passage of the law is likely to spark protests.
Deadly clashes erupted over the proposed change in 2017 after security forces cracked down on demonstrators calling for Gnassingbe’s resignation – echoing a mass movement against his first appointment in 2005 during which at least 500 people were killed.
Lawmakers also changed the rules for their own terms. They can now hold their seats for two terms of six years each.