Togo constitution crisis: government defies ECOWAS ruling amid civil society outrage
The recent ECOWAS court ruling on Togo’s constitutional changes has ignited a fierce legal and political battle in Lomé. While government officials dismiss the decision as legally groundless, civil society groups are rallying against what they call a blatant violation of democratic norms.
Government dismisses ECOWAS authority over constitutional matters
Togo’s executive branch has fired back with a legal counterargument, claiming the ECOWAS Court of Justice lacks jurisdiction to rule on national constitutional amendments. Authorities argue that the regional court has no power to review domestic constitutional changes or judge sovereign decisions made by the Togolese government.
Civil society condemns legal maneuver as denial of justice
The Association of Victims of Torture in Togo (ASVITTO) has launched a scathing public response, accusing the government of attempting to undermine the court’s ruling. In a strongly worded statement on X (formerly Twitter), ASVITTO described the government’s stance as a « denial of reality » and warned that those behind what they call a « constitutional coup » are now trapped in their own « anxiety. »
The organization highlighted Togo’s history of ignoring regional court rulings, stating that the government has long « shown contempt for ECOWAS decisions. » This accusation is backed by the continued detention of political prisoners in Lomé, despite multiple regional court orders demanding their release.
« The pattern is clear: Togo’s authorities have repeatedly refused to comply with ECOWAS rulings, treating them as mere suggestions rather than legal obligations. »
ASVITTO urges ECOWAS to enforce its ruling against state-led repression
ASVITTO is now calling on the regional bloc to take decisive action to enforce Judgment ECW/CCJ/JUD/01/26, issued in January, which declared Togo’s 2024 constitutional reform incompatible with the African Charter on Democracy, Human and Peoples’ Rights.
The NGO has labeled the situation a form of « state gangsterism » and insists that the ruling must be applied to put an end to what they describe as a dangerous erosion of democratic principles in the subregion.
Political deadlock leaves political prisoners in limbo
The standoff between the government and civil society shows no signs of easing. While Lomé insists on its legal position, ASVITTO and other observers argue that the refusal to implement the ECOWAS ruling undermines Togo’s international commitments and leaves detained activists in a state of prolonged uncertainty.
The court’s decision remains unenforced, leaving families of political prisoners in painful limbo as political rhetoric overshadows their desperate calls for justice.
