Togo’s President Faure Gnassingbé is set to extend his 19-year rule by transitioning to the newly created position of president of the council of ministers, a government official announced on Monday. This strategic move follows the adoption of a new constitution in March that established a parliamentary system and introduced this influential role.
Civil Service Minister Gilbert Bawara confirmed on national television that the ruling UNIR party has nominated Gnassingbe for the position, which grants extensive authority over the government’s affairs. This appointment is expected to be automatic, as the new constitution stipulates that the leader of the majority party in the national assembly is to be appointed to this role.
The UNIR party recently secured a majority in a disputed legislative election, solidifying Gnassingbe’s pathway to this powerful position. Togo has experienced significant opposition to the Gnassingbe family’s prolonged rule, which began with Faure’s father, Gnassingbe Eyadema, who took power in a 1967 coup.
In 2019, constitutional reforms enabled Faure Gnassingbe to potentially remain in power until 2030. Despite winning a contested presidential election in 2020, the upcoming presidential election, initially expected to be his final term, may no longer be relevant. The new role of president of the council of ministers, which lacks term limits, could allow Gnassingbe to continue his political dominance indefinitely.
