TOGO: A dynasty stretches into its sixth decade

Togo’s President Faure Gnassingbé, who inherited the presidency from his father in 2005, could relax secure in the comfort of a fourth term after winning the February election, ensuring the perpetuation of a family dynasty that has held power since 1967. The constitution had been reworked in 2019 to enable him to run again, not just in 2020 but in 2025 if he wishes; the revised constitution also gives him broad legal immunity against ever being held to account.