September 11 (IPS) –
CIVICUS discusses the repression of civil society in Togo with a human rights defender who wishes to remain anonymous for security reasons.
Political tensions in Togo have increased following the recent approval of constitutional changes. Under the new parliamentary system, the president will be elected by parliament rather than the popular assembly, and a powerful new position of chairman of the Council of Ministers will be created. There are suspicions that the changes will allow President Faure Gnassingbé to remain in power. Gnassingbé has ruled Togo since 2005, when he took over from his father, who seized power in 1967. The government has banned protests against the changes, disrupted civil society meetings, arbitrarily arrested and detained protesters, and suspended and deported journalists for reporting on the unrest.
On March 25, Togo’s National Assembly adopted a new constitution that dramatically changes the country’s governance from a presidential to a parliamentary system. The changes were not submitted to a referendum, but were decided through opaque legislative procedures. The most significant changes are the abolition of direct presidential elections and the creation of the powerful role of President of the Council of Ministers. Like a prime minister, this president is elected by parliament for a six-year term that can be renewed indefinitely if he or she retains majority support. This removes the two-term limit imposed by the 2019 constitution, which was introduced after massive public protests.
The new constitution has sparked widespread controversy and comes amid an already tense political climate, with parliamentary and regional elections originally scheduled for April 13 being repeatedly postponed as lawmakers debate the constitutional changes. Political parties, civil society organizations (CSOs), the Catholic Church and some sections of the population see it as an attempt by the ruling family to cling to power, as the amendments would extend the 19-year presidency of Faure Gnassingbé and the 57-year dynastic rule of the Gnassingbé family.
We strongly condemn the adoption of the new Constitution and the lack of transparency in the process. This is a constitutional coup that limits the political rights of citizens, exacerbates political instability and undermines democratic governance.
What reforms are needed to ensure a genuine multiparty democracy in Togo?
First, it is crucial to restore direct presidential elections based on universal suffrage, because the electoral system must truly reflect the will of the people. But a president cannot rule indefinitely, so it is also crucial to reintroduce term limits for the president and other key officials to prevent concentration of power and promote accountability.
In addition, an independent electoral commission should be established to restore public confidence in a system now seen as biased in favor of the ruling party. This commission should oversee all electoral processes and ensure that they are free, fair and transparent.
It is also important to ensure equal access to campaign resources for all political parties. Fair media coverage and campaign financing would contribute to a more competitive and representative electoral process. It is equally important to strengthen legal safeguards. All parties should be able to operate freely without interference or fear of persecution and violence from state authorities.
We need to increase citizen participation. Reforms should facilitate platforms for CSOs to participate in political debate. We need to support grassroots movements with resources and training to help them mobilize people and educate them about democratic principles and their rights.
Togolese civil society is already pushing for these changes. Groups such as ‘Touche pas à ma constitution’ (‘Don’t touch my constitution’) are organizing protestsraising awareness and holding community meetings to educate people and challenge the new constitution. They have also filed complaints with regional bodies such as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), calling for the annulment of the new constitution and the restoration of democratic norms. CSOs and democratic political parties are presenting a united front to demand democratic reforms.
How has the government responded to the protests?
The government has responded to the protests with a heavy-handed approach aimed at silencing dissent. Many opposition leaders and activists have been arrested. On March 26, law enforcement and security services forbidden two press conferences organized by political parties and CSOs on the grounds that the organizers did not have the proper permits. This was a clear attempt by the government to stifle opposition voices. On April 3, nine leaders of the opposition political party Dynamique Mgr Kpodzro were also arrested arrested for ‘disturbing public order’. They were released six days later.
The use of violence, a hallmark of the Gnassingbé regime, has created a climate of fear. Anyone who participates in opposition activities is portrayed as a criminal who threatens public order and is prosecuted. This has a chilling effect on civil society activism. Many people fear being arrested or violently attacked if they engage in political discourse or participate in protests. This criminalization undermines our ability to mobilize effectively and advocate for democratic reforms.
With our freedom of expression and assembly severely curtailed, we find it increasingly difficult to hold events, hold press conferences or communicate our messages without interference from security forces. This has increasingly isolated us from the general public. The repression of dissent has undermined public trust in both government and CSOs, as people become disillusioned with the political process and the weak foundations of democracy.
How can the international community help address the suppression of civil liberties in Togo?
The international community can play an important role by exerting diplomatic pressure and supporting democratic reforms. Public condemnations and resolutions by international bodies such as the United Nations and the African Union can help to highlight these issues and push for necessary changes. International bodies and representatives should contact Togolese officials directly to address concerns.
They should also support local civil society by providing funding, resources and training. This support is essential to strengthen the capacity of CSOs to advocate for democracy and human rights, and to mobilise and empower people.
Independent monitoring and reporting mechanisms are essential to assess the political situation, ensure transparency in the upcoming elections and document human rights violations. If violations persist, the international community should consider sanctioning key officials and making development aid and assistance conditional on respect for democratic principles and human rights. This can serve as an incentive for the government to implement meaningful reforms.
ECOWAS is also able to mediate between the government, the opposition and local civil society to promote a more inclusive and democratic environment. At a time when democracy in West Africa is in retreat, with four countries having suffered military coups With 15 leaders having circumvented term limits since 2020, ECOWAS must take a strong stand against unconstitutional changes such as those recently implemented in Togo and send a clear message that power grabs will not be tolerated.
The civic space in Togo is defined by the CIVICUS monitor.
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© Inter Press Service (2024) — All rights reservedOriginal source: Inter Press Service