Togo enters “a new political era”, says Faure Gnassingbé in address to Parliament

Togo’s President of the Council of the Republic, Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, said on Tuesday that the country was entering “a new political and institutional era”, arguing that the recent constitutional reform would strengthen parliamentary democracy and ensure stability in a West African region shaken by recurrent crises.

Speaking before the National Assembly in his State of the Nation address, Mr Gnassingbé described the institutional shift as “a historic turning point” and a response to the country’s socio-political and security challenges. The new Fifth Republic, he said, “anchors the popular will more firmly” in the conduct of government action.

Political landscape marked by recurring tensions

The constitutional reform - repeatedly criticised by the opposition - reshapes the balance of power by establishing a parliamentary system in which executive authority is largely vested in the President of the Council, selected by the majority bloc.
Mr Gnassingbé praised what he called a transition “without rupture or upheaval”, despite persistent concerns from critics who warn of growing consolidation of power around the ruling camp.

He urged both majority and opposition MPs to embrace “greater transparency, debate and accountability”, insisting that the new political framework requires “a profound change in public culture”.
The head of the executive also highlighted the need to address long-standing regional disparities, particularly in access to basic services - a recurring fault line in Togolese politics and a source of inequalities between the country’s northern and southern regions.

Security and stability at the heart of the address

In a region troubled by jihadist insurgencies, military takeovers and diplomatic tensions, Mr Gnassingbé made the “protection” of citizens his foremost priority.
Northern Togo remains vulnerable to armed incursions despite a security strategy combining reinforced military presence, community-based initiatives and development programmes.

“Citizen security, institutional stability and social peace: everything begins there,” he said, reaffirming the country’s commitment to counter armed groups while stressing that operations would be conducted “with respect for rights”.

A diplomacy of stability in a shifting region

On the international stage, Mr Gnassingbé portrayed Togo’s diplomacy as a “shield for national protection” amid a volatile geopolitical environment.
He defended a foreign policy centred on “stability, dialogue and cooperation”, underscoring the country’s intention to maintain its role as a mediator in regional crises.

The head of government reiterated Togo’s ambition to speak with “a strong African voice” on global issues, while deepening strategic partnerships and strengthening ties with the diaspora.
The country has recently positioned itself as a diplomatic intermediary in several West African disputes, favouring a posture of active neutrality.

Three priorities to guide government action

Mr Gnassingbé said the government’s agenda would revolve around three core priorities: protecting citizens and national sovereignty; reinforcing national cohesion through decentralisation; and accelerating economic and social transformation.
As the Government Roadmap 2025 draws to a close, he described these priorities as a continuation of ongoing efforts but also as a “renewed ambition” aimed at making the Fifth Republic “a republic of results”.