New post for Togo leader could see him rule for life

BBC - May 3rd, 2025

Faure Gnassingbé has been appointed as "President of the Council of Ministers," the highest executive position in Togo's government, following constitutional reforms that abolished presidential elections and established a parliamentary system. The move is seen by the opposition as a strategy to maintain Gnassingbé's grip on power indefinitely, as his family has led Togo for nearly six decades. The new constitution, which critics label an "institutional coup d'état," was ratified by lawmakers last year, despite significant public opposition.

Under this new system, Togo's municipal elections in July will be conducted for the first time without a presidential vote, emphasizing the shift to parliamentary governance. While the title of president is now honorary, analysts argue that Gnassingbé's power is more entrenched than ever, bolstered by his party's overwhelming majority in the National Assembly. The Union for the Republic secured 108 out of 113 seats in the last parliamentary election, solidifying Gnassingbé's dominance in Togo's political landscape.

Opposition Municipal Elections Faure Gnassingbé Togo Council Of Ministers Constitutional Reform Parliamentary System Union For The Republic Institutional Coup D'état

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RATING

6.8

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article provides a comprehensive overview of recent political developments in Togo, focusing on Faure Gnassingbé's new role and the constitutional reforms. It is factually accurate, with most claims supported by external sources, but lacks detailed attribution, which affects its credibility and transparency. The article balances government actions with opposition perspectives, though it leans more towards the latter, potentially affecting perceived neutrality. It is timely and addresses issues of public interest, particularly in terms of governance and democracy. While the article is clear and well-structured, its engagement potential could be enhanced with more interactive elements. Overall, it responsibly covers a controversial topic, contributing to informed discourse on political reform in Togo.

Accuracy

The story accurately reports on Faure Gnassingbé's new role as 'President of the Council of Ministers' following constitutional reforms in Togo, which aligns with independent sources. The claim about the absence of term limits is supported by the structure of the new parliamentary system, where Gnassingbé's party holds a significant majority, effectively allowing him to maintain power. The historical context of the Gnassingbé family's long rule over Togo is verified, with Faure taking over from his father in 2005. However, the article's mention of a 'pause' in reforms lacks corroborative evidence, as sources indicate continuous implementation. The opposition's characterization of the changes as an 'institutional coup' is supported by critics' statements. Overall, the article is factually sound, with minor areas needing clarification.

Balance

The article presents a balance between the government’s actions and the opposition's criticisms, highlighting both the constitutional changes and the opposition's view of it as an 'institutional coup.' However, it predominantly focuses on the opposition's perspective, suggesting a potential imbalance. While it mentions the government's actions, it does not provide quotes or statements from government officials to counter the opposition's claims. This could lead to a perceived bias against the government, as the opposition's viewpoint is more prominently featured.

Clarity

The article is generally clear and well-structured, providing a coherent narrative of the political changes in Togo. It effectively outlines the key events and historical context, making it accessible to readers unfamiliar with the situation. The language is straightforward, and the article maintains a neutral tone throughout. However, some terms, such as 'institutional coup,' could be better explained to ensure all readers fully understand the implications. Overall, the article is easy to follow and informative.

Source quality

The article lacks direct attribution to specific sources or experts, which affects its credibility. It references the opposition and 'critics,' but does not specify who these critics are or provide direct quotes. This lack of detailed sourcing diminishes the authority of the claims made. The article would benefit from including statements from government officials or independent experts to enhance its reliability and provide a more comprehensive view of the situation.

Transparency

The article does not clearly disclose its sources or the methodology behind its claims, which affects transparency. While it provides some context about the constitutional changes and the political landscape in Togo, it lacks detailed explanations of how the information was obtained or verified. The absence of clear attribution and methodology makes it difficult for readers to assess the impartiality of the reporting. Greater transparency in sourcing and methodology would improve the article's credibility.