Togo is home to the oldest autocracy in sub-Saharan Africa, a regime that has clung to power for over half a century. This reality is an affront to the aspirations of millions of Togolese and Africa’s broader progress.
Sixty-two years ago today, on 13 January 1963, Togo’s dream of democracy was shattered. Sylvanus Olympio, the country’s only democratically elected president, was assassinated by a group of former soldiers from the French colonial army. Among them was Gnassingbé Eyadéma, who would later assume power and lead Togo into decades of family dictatorship. This marked the beginning of Togo’s descent into authoritarian rule, which continues today.
In 2005, Eyadéma’s 38-year rule ended when his failing health forced him to seek medical treatment in Tunisia. Despite being among Africa’s wealthiest heads of state, Eyadéma’s reign left the nation impoverished, with its healthcare system in tatters.
His death triggered a constitutional crisis when his son, Faure Gnassingbé, seized power in blatant defiance of constitutional provisions. This power grab marked yet another coup, resulting in violent repression and the deaths of more than 500 people, according to the United Nations.
Erosion of basic freedoms
The situation in Togo has only worsened since then. Faure Gnassingbé, now in power for nearly two decades, presides over a regime characterised by chronic poverty, systemic corruption, and an erosion of basic freedoms.
Togo, a nation of 9 million people with significant natural resources, remains deeply impoverished. Nearly 90 percent of its population struggles to afford two meals a day. Women are forced to give birth on hospital floors or outside due to inadequate medical facilities. Young people, faced with a lack of opportunities, increasingly turn to alcohol, drugs and prostitution to cope with the harsh realities of life.
The state of Togo’s healthcare system is emblematic of the country’s broader dysfunction. The main hospital, built in 1949, lacks essential equipment such as scanners, oxygen supplies and blood banks.
It also lacks specialists, such as gynaecologists, to serve the needs of the population. A lack of ambulances and trained emergency personnel exacerbates these tragedies.
Infrastructure across the country is similarly neglected. The national road, dating back to 1806, has not been reliably updated, causing countless accidents and preventable deaths.
Meanwhile, unemployment remains staggeringly high, and the primary university, built over half a century ago, has seen no significant updates to meet students’ needs.
Autocratic rule
The blame for this crisis lies squarely with the Gnassingbé family. Over the decades, they have undermined institutions, stifled dissent and concentrated power in their hands.
On 26 February 2019, Gnassingbé unilaterally abolished constitutional term limits without holding a referendum. This illegal move transformed Togo into a parliamentary system designed to consolidate his grip on power, effectively paving the way for lifelong rule.
This disregard for the rule of law underscores the regime’s complete lack of accountability.
Today, Togo is a full-fledged autocracy, devoid of basic freedoms. Public gatherings are banned, and dissent is met with brutal repression. Thousands of political prisoners languish in detention, and extrajudicial killings and kidnappings are common tools of state control.
The climate of fear and oppression is pervasive, leaving many Togolese citizens disillusioned and despondent.
The consequences of this autocratic rule extend beyond Togo’s borders. The persistence of autocratic rule in Togo undermines the progress being made across the region. As citizens in other countries demand accountability and reform, Togo’s continued descent into dictatorship sends a troubling message that such regimes can endure unchecked.
Train of freedom
Togo’s current trajectory is unsustainable. If present conditions persist, the country risks following the path of Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Gabon and Guinea, where coups have disrupted the political status quo.
While these coups have often been celebrated as a rejection of entrenched regimes, they have rarely delivered lasting stability or prosperity, let alone genuine democracy. Military takeovers, more often than not, intensify human suffering and deepen political crises.
The solution for Togo lies not in military intervention but in civil resistance. The Togolese people must continue to organise and fight peacefully for their rights, even in the face of repression. Encouragingly, there are signs of renewed determination among the population.
The emergence of the civil resistance movement Train de la Liberté (Train of Freedom) is one testament to the resilience of Togolese citizens. This movement aims to confront the regime and push for democratic reforms, offering a glimmer of hope in an otherwise bleak landscape.
The international community has a critical role to play in supporting Togo’s struggle for democracy and genuine independence. Governments, particularly those in the US and Europe, must stand in solidarity with the people by demanding accountability, free and fair elections, and the release of political prisoners.
Media outlets and journalists also have a responsibility to amplify the voices of activists, shedding light on the human rights abuses occurring under the regime and providing the resources necessary to sustain resistance.
Togo – part of Africa’s broader challenge
Togo’s struggle is emblematic of a broader challenge facing Africa. As the continent stands at a crossroads, the actions, or inactions, of the international community will undoubtedly shape its future. Supporting justice and democracy in Togo is not just a moral imperative – it is essential for ensuring stability and progress across the region.
The stakes could not be higher. With a young and booming population, Africa holds the potential to become a global leader in innovation, culture, and development. However, this potential cannot be realised under the weight of autocratic regimes that stifle freedom, development and opportunity.
Togo, as the oldest autocracy in sub-Saharan Africa, represents a test case for the continent. If a peaceful transition to democracy can be achieved here, it will send a powerful message to other nations grappling with similar challenges.
The time for action is now. Authoritarianism, whether in Togo or elsewhere, must be condemned in all its forms. The people of Togo have endured decades of oppression, but their resilience offers hope for a brighter future. By standing with them, the international community can help turn the tide against dictatorship and pave the way for a new era of freedom and opportunity in Africa.
Marc Nda is a civic activist and the co-chair of the Togo Policy Institute, a non-profit advocacy and research organization that seeks to highlight human rights concerns in Togo.
Article first appeared on The Africa Report.
Photo by Aboodi Vesakaran via Unsplash.