Togo’s contentious constitutional reforms have triggered widespread political unrest, fuelling mass protests and raising serious concerns about stability in West Africa.
At the heart of the crisis is growing public distrust over the government’s decision to shift from a presidential to a parliamentary system, seen by many as a calculated move by President Faure Gnassingbé to tighten his grip on power after more than two decades in office.
Although the government has touted the reforms as a democratic milestone, critics argue the process has been rushed, lacked transparency, and excluded meaningful public consultation.
In a strongly worded statement on Monday, June 30, the Executive Secretary of the Global Security for Africa Research and Good Governance (GLOSARGG), Francis Ahovi, condemned the Togolese government’s response to the crisis.
He warned that the situation could have far-reaching consequences for neighbouring countries.
Ahovi criticised the regime’s heavy-handed crackdown on protesters, including mass arrests, injuries, and restrictions on media freedom, arguing that such repression risks radicalising disaffected youth.
“This is not just a Togolese crisis, it’s part of a troubling regional trend of shrinking democratic space, and the fallout could destabilise Ghana, Benin, and Burkina Faso,” Ahovi said.
He warned that the deteriorating situation could open a corridor for arms trafficking, militant infiltration, and forced displacement, exacerbating the region’s existing security challenges.
On the humanitarian front, the crisis is already disrupting basic services such as healthcare, education, and food distribution, while civil liberties, including freedom of expression and assembly, are under attack.
Ahovi called for urgent, coordinated action to prevent the situation from spiralling into full-blown conflict.
He proposed a five-point peace and governance roadmap:
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An inclusive national dialogue mediated by ECOWAS and the African Union
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Suspension of the current reforms in favour of a public-led constitutional review
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Deployment of regional observers to monitor security and human rights
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Unconditional media and humanitarian access across the country
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Early, transparent parliamentary elections if a national consensus cannot be reached
“Togo’s crisis is a test of West Africa’s commitment to democracy, silence or inaction will only embolden authoritarianism and fuel greater insecurity. The time to act is now,” Ahovi said.
Below is the full statement
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