Togo heads to the polls for local elections amid mounting unrest and public fury over President Faure Gnassingbé’s extended rule. Sparked by a controversial constitutional reform and the arrest of rapper-activist Aamron, protests have rocked the capital Lomé, resulting in deaths, violent crackdowns, and rising calls for Gnassingbé’s resignation. Critics accuse the president of orchestrating a “constitutional coup” to retain power through a new, dominant role dubbed President of the Council of Ministers. As borders close and tensions escalate, youth-led protests and activist groups like M66 push for election boycotts, demanding democratic reform. With 58 years of dynastic rule behind him, Gnassingbé’s grip on power faces its strongest challenge yet, under the gaze of a disillusioned young population.
Aljazeera
