In accordance with the controversial new Togolese constitution, the position of “President of the Council of Ministers” has been filled. The former president, Gnassingbé, has been elected as the new head of government.

In this new role, he continues to steer the country’s affairs as before. However, unlike the former presidential office, there are now no term limits, meaning he can remain in power indefinitely. The country has been ruled by his family for 58 years—first by his father, who seized power in a coup in the 1960s. In 2005, following his father’s death, Faure took over leadership.

Togo’s opposition heavily criticized the adoption of the new constitution, calling it an “institutional coup d’état.” The role of the president, now held by Jean-Lucien Savien de Tove, is purely ceremonial, while Gnassingbé’s power, in his new position as head of government, is more entrenched than ever.