Regional court strikes down Togo’s constitutional reform

The Togolese authorities have suffered a significant setback on the regional stage. The ECOWAS Court of Justice, following petitions from civil society actors and democratic organizations, ruled that the constitutional amendment enacted in March 2024 was carried out in violation of democratic principles and constitutional order.

This judicial decision represents a setback for the government in Lomé, which had sought to frame the reform as a process compliant with republican norms. The ruling by West African magistrates, however, undermines the legitimacy of a text that has faced criticism from a substantial portion of the opposition and civil society since its adoption.

The legal challenge was spearheaded by members of the Front « Touche Pas À Ma Constitution », supported by numerous citizen groups and democratic forces. Their petition aimed to contest what they perceive as a modification imposed without genuine public consultation, intended to further entrench the ruling power.

For the plaintiffs, the regional court’s verdict confirms that popular will was sidelined in favor of institutional coercion. They decry a political maneuver executed at the expense of the Togolese people’s democratic aspirations, who have long grappled with a shrinking civic space and recurring tensions over governance issues.

The ruling has reignited discussions about the country’s institutional future. Civil society representatives now urge the suspension of the ongoing process and advocate for an inclusive political transition capable of restoring trust between institutions and citizens.

Beyond its legal implications, this case underscores the deep divisions plaguing Togo and amplifies criticism of a political system dominated for nearly six decades by the same family. Many observers argue that only a reform grounded in dialogue, adherence to the rule of law, and popular sovereignty can restore long-term stability and credibility to Togolese institutions.