Togo opposition decries 'grotesque' academic conference
Le Manifeste Génération Togo group calls the October 29-30 Lomé event a bid to bypass a January 2026 ECOWAS court ruling.
Opposition groups in Togo are denouncing an upcoming international conference in Lomé scheduled for October 29 and 30. Le Manifeste Génération Togo calls the event, focused on regional courts and constitutional changes, a "grotesque" attempt to circumvent a January 29, 2026, ECOWAS Court of Justice ruling. The court had previously declared the establishment of the Fifth Republic in Togo an "unconstitutional change of government."
The opposition group expressed deep concern that the academic gathering is a deliberate effort to shift the discussion away from the legal implications of the court's decision. They argue that academics cannot substitute for judges and that the conference risks becoming a platform to contest the court's ruling and legitimize an "illegal" Fifth Republic. The group stated that this move follows the government's prior avoidance of public debate before constitutional changes.
Le Manifeste Génération Togo warned that attempts to discredit the ECOWAS Court could weaken confidence in regional and continental human rights institutions. They questioned how the government plans to ensure the rule of law and respect for the people's will, noting that past government reactions have included contesting the court's jurisdiction and calling for dialogue.
Why it mattersTogo's opposition fears a conference will undermine a court ruling on the country's constitutional changes.