Togolese lawmakers have adopted a new constitution that allows the president to be chosen by lawmakers instead of elected by the people, potentially enabling President Faure Gnassingbe to stay in power indefinitely. Critics view this move as a legislative coup orchestrated by the dictator, leading to concerns about the elimination of political competition and the establishment of a de facto monarchy. The new charter weakens future presidents but could extend the incumbent's rule, prompting comparisons to a cartel. In contrast, Senegal celebrates a victory, highlighting the importance of citizen determination, strong institutions, and a political class serving the nation in African countries.
Our people’s victory is inevitable.
Palestinian doctor Ghassan Abu Sitta, who participated in treating the wounded in hospitals in the Gaza Strip during the ongoing Israeli aggression, has been elected as President of the University of Glasgow, one of the largest universities in Scotland and one of the oldest… https://t.co/52mORmHeMw
Togo’s 9th Pan-Congress is What Walter Rodney Warned About | by Dwayne Wong (Omowale) | Mar, 2024 | Medium #Togo https://t.co/52D8qi48fa
Gaza war surgeon Ghassan Abu-Sittah elected rector of University of Glasgow https://t.co/dtfNlxm9d5
British-Palestinian reconstructive surgeon Ghassan Abu-Sittah, who was present in Gaza providing medical care during the first months of Israel's genocidal campaign, has been elected rector of Glasgow University by students. https://t.co/FWE1GHufdd
🇵🇸BREAKING: We won! @GhassanAbuSitt1 elected Glasgow University rector in a landslide victory, winning 80% of first preference votes. A victory for international solidarity and the Palestinian cause in Glasgow tonight. https://t.co/BlHzukYSmI
Wow! Is there still a Gnassingbe in charge of Togo? Is he related to Eyadema? https://t.co/t2n8svjv2S
As we jubilate the victory of the Senegalese people, we must remember. In most African countries the combination of: 1-Citizen's determination & ability to protest 2-Strong independent institutions 3-Political class at the service of the nation is still ahead of us. Let's learn! https://t.co/Oxx9ynpARg
I’m not very sure the exact names, but I know for certain Gnassingbe Enyadema housed at least 2-3 former head of states after they were ousted in their own countries. More than half the time, a useless father will produce a useless son. https://t.co/kidXy3bRdw
⚠️ NEW TOGO CHARTER WEAKENS FUTURE PRESIDENTS BUT COULD EXTEND INCUMBENT'S RULE Full Story → https://t.co/18DNFH1etn https://t.co/4YDFVphIS6
Amidst the celebration of victory in one African country, another had been dragged back by a greedy dictator. Some African leaders never learned! Because of their corrupt practices, they would rather die in power than face justice after removal from office. But his day is coming! https://t.co/YfDwHUwf8O
“While the day just got brighter in Senegal, the night has grown darker in Togo”. Let’s remember coups are not born out of thin air but are usually predated by govts’ manipulations that eliminate space for political competition. Constitutional coups lay grounds for military coups https://t.co/9M3sR8aN0o
Monarchies even have rules of succession and some level of accountability. Togo is a cartel! https://t.co/xvEPW9qAOF
Like Father Like Son His dad did 38 years as President, Faure has been in charge since 2005, this is a monarchy lol https://t.co/kLzjDdOEpT
Last night, the dictator of #Togo, @FEGnassingbe, successfully orchestrated a legislative coup. His self-constituted parliament, filled with his siblings, nephews, cousins, and cronies, adopted a new constitution. Under this new constitution, he will no longer be elected by the… https://t.co/kNV78lBXPS
Togolese lawmakers adopt new constitution https://t.co/iHDfM9CHfG
#BREAKING Togolese lawmakers adopt new constitution less than a month before the next election. According to the new text, the president will be chosen by lawmakers rather than elected by the people, paving the way for president Faure Gnassingbe to remain in power indefinitely https://t.co/edMrMuCQcZ
Diomaye's win in Senegal is a lesson to me not to be so cynical. In West Africa, I expect incumbents to win most of the time, and I often expect rigging, intimidation, and manipulation of the playing field to distort the results. But that's not always what happens.