Domestic political tensions have been increasing in Togo since parliament approved a constitutional amendment in March. According to this amendment, the country's president is no longer elected by the people as before, but by parliament without public debate. Furthermore, the presidential term of office has been extended to six years, albeit without the possibility of another election. These changes mean that the incumbent Faure Gnassingbé can run for president again, which would not have been possible under the old version of the constitution. The government has also postponed the parliamentary elections scheduled for April 20 to April 29, 2024.

During a demonstration against the constitutional reform, six members of the opposition were arrested for “breaches of public order”. The state prosecutor in charge accuses those arrested of distributing leaflets and shouting slogans “inciting a popular uprising” at an unauthorized demonstration. Opposition parties and civil society groups have called for further protests in April. In an open letter, Togolese academics addressed President Faure Gnassingbé and called for the constitutional amendment to be stopped. According to the constitution, a referendum would have to be held for any change concerning the election or term of office of the president. According to the authors, a comprehensive public debate on the amendments is necessary to allow further discussion under fair and transparent conditions.