Togo constitution: Parliament passes reforms likened to coup - BBC News

Authorities say the reforms are necessary, but opponents say they will lengthen the president's rule.

4 hours agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, President Faure Gnassingbé has been president since 2005, succeeding his father who became president in 1967By Natasha Booty & Nicolas NegoceBBC NewsTogo's parliament has given final approval to a new constitution extending the president's term, after critics denounced the move as a coup.

The West African country will move from a presidential to a parliamentary system.

President Faure Gnassingbé's supporters argue the changes reduce his powers by transforming the presidency into a ceremonial role.

But the opposition said the reforms remove limits on his stay in office.

Their removal would enable him to remain president until 2031, they said, after which he could be appointed to the new position of "president of the council of ministers" - in effect prime minister - continuing his family's 57-year rule.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-68860091

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