Togo Protest: Youth Rise Against Africa’s Oldest Dynasty

A wave of youth-led protests in Togo erupted in late June 2025, signaling a major challenge to West Africa’s longest-ruling political dynasty. For three days, young demonstrators flooded the streets of Lomé and surrounding regions, voicing strong opposition to recent constitutional changes and decades of dynastic rule by the Gnassingbé family, which has held power for over 57 years.

The immediate trigger was a controversial constitutional reform passed in April, which shifted executive power from the president to a newly created post: the President of the Council of Ministers. Notably, this position carries no term limits, effectively enabling President Faure Gnassingbé to stay in power indefinitely. The move has been widely criticized as a "constitutional coup," designed to bypass growing public discontent and extend the ruling family’s grip on power.

Youth, students, bloggers, and artists took a leading role in organizing and mobilizing for the protests, expressing their frustration over not just political repression, but also economic hardship, widespread unemployment, and deteriorating public services. The demonstrations saw intense clashes with security forces, who responded with tear gas, beatings, arrests, and media suppression. Tires were burned in the streets, neighborhoods were barricaded, and arrests were made across the capital. Prominent cultural figures, such as activist-rapper Aamron, were among those detained.

Adding to tensions, the government suspended French broadcasters RFI and France 24 for alleged bias, fueling accusations of censorship and raising concerns about press freedom in the country. This media blackout mirrors tactics seen in other West African states facing anti-government protests and reveals a regional trend of crackdowns on dissent.

Despite the heavy-handed response, the protests reflect a growing generational shift. Young Togolese citizens, long sidelined from formal politics, are increasingly taking center stage in national debates about democracy, accountability, and the future of leadership. Their demands go beyond removing one man from power—they are calling for structural reforms that ensure true democratic participation and a break from decades of authoritarian governance.

With local elections scheduled for July, the stakes are high. Whether this youth-led resistance can translate its momentum into lasting political change remains to be seen, but the movement has undoubtedly shaken the foundations of Togo’s long-standing regime and captured the attention of the region and beyond.

Lea Watch is a writer and analyst focused on democracy, governance, and civic movements across West Africa.