Togo Strengthens Dynastic Rule as Gnassingbé Ally Takes Senate Helm

Editorial : Reda El Gazal

Electing Barry Moussa Barqué, an 82-year-old loyalist of President Faure Gnassingbé, as Senate chief, Togo’s new upper house entrenches ruling-party control following constitutional reforms that abolish direct presidential votes.

The 2024 overhaul shifts executive power to a parliamentary-appointed “President of the Council of Ministers”

a role Gnassingbé now holds-while reducing the presidency to ceremonial status. Critics decry the move as a bid to extend his 19-year rule, mirroring his father’s 38-year reign until 2005. Barqué, a veteran strategist for both leaders, will oversee a Senate designed to consolidate legislative authority through appointed and indirect elections.

Opposition groups label the reforms a facade for “one-family rule,” while the ruling UNIR party claims they foster inclusive governance.

Regional watchdogs warn of democratic decline in West Africa, citing recent coups and prolonged leaderships. As Gnassingbé prepares to formalize his empowered role, tensions rise over Togo’s political trajectory amid fading checks on dynastic power.