Togo's Prime Minister Reappointment Amidst Constitutional Controversy

President Faure Gnassingbe of Togo has retained Victoire Sidemeho Tomegah-Dogbe as Prime Minister. The move is part of forming a new government under a recently adopted constitution. Opposition groups criticize the charter, accusing Gnassingbe of trying to extend his rule, which began in 2005 following his father's long tenure.

Togo's President Faure Gnassingbe has confirmed the reappointment of Victoire Sidemeho Tomegah-Dogbe as prime minister, with plans to form a new government under a newly adopted constitution. This development was announced by the presidency on Thursday.

The new constitution, adopted in March, has sparked tensions in Togo, with opposition and civil society groups alleging that it serves as a maneuver for Gnassingbe to prolong his 19-year reign. Tomegah-Dogbe, Togo's first female prime minister since 2020, belongs to the ruling Union for the Republic party, which secured a landslide victory in an April legislative election postponed twice due to constitutional wrangling.

Togo has a history of resistance against the Gnassingbe family's rule, with President Gnassingbe initially coming to power in 2005 after the death of his father, Gnassingbe Eyadema, who had been in power since a 1967 coup.

(With inputs from agencies.)