LOMÉ — Togo’s controversial constitutional reform is facing renewed political pressure after 43 civil society organisations from Togo and other African countries called for action over the changes adopted in 2024.

The organisations have addressed an open letter to the ECOWAS Court of Justice, following the court’s June ruling that the constitutional reform establishing a parliamentary system contravened democratic principles.

The groups argue that the constitutional changes represent a serious challenge to democratic governance in Togo. They are calling for regional institutions to consider measures in response to the court’s findings.

The reform changed the structure of executive power, including replacing direct presidential election with a system in which the president is elected by lawmakers for a single six-year term.

The latest development is likely to intensify debate among political parties, civil society groups, legal experts, and regional organisations over constitutional legitimacy, institutional accountability, and democratic standards.

The renewed challenge places Togo’s constitutional system back at the centre of regional political debate, with attention now focused on how the government and ECOWAS institutions respond to the latest calls.

The controversy could also influence broader discussions about constitutional reform and democratic governance across West Africa.