Ruptly
"Opposition parties staged a major rally in Lome on Saturday against constitutional reforms, accusing Togolese Prime Minister Faure Gnassingbe of seeking to further consolidate his power through the changes. Footage shows hundreds wearing the symbolic orange of the country's main opposition party, the National Alliance for Change (ANC). The party's leader Jean-Pierre Fabre also took part, delivering a speech to the crowd at the Akassime grounds. "We want change. I want my country to change. I want to make my small contribution to rebuilding my country, which is why I am here today," said George Klove, a demonstrator. Another participant, Philippe Ezian, criticised the Gnassingbe family, which has ruled Togo for nearly six decades. He claimed their continued rule 'puts the entire country at risk' and accused those in power of taking the nation's wealth 'for themselves.' "There is fear in people's hearts. Togolese no longer know where to turn, but now, the opposition is united," he continued. The rally comes amid a growing alignment between four opposition parties and civil society organisations, which have formed a coalition known as the National Consultation Framework for Change in Togo (CNCC). The alliance seeks to launch a unified national debate challenging the constitution adopted in 2024. "The opposition, in the Togolese context, must function as a team. A team cannot fight itself from within. [...] We must therefore put an end to these needless divisions," commented Komi Wolou, secretary of the Socialist Pact for Renewal (PSR). Togo has undergone a major political transition since 2024, shifting from a presidential to a parliamentary system under a new constitution. The newly created post of Prime Minister is held by Faure Gnassingbe, who had previously ruled the country as president since 2005."
Go to News Site