Several hundred protesters rallied in the capital, Lome, under a new coalition to oppose recent constitutional changes that consolidate the power of longtime leader Faure Gnassingbe, accusing him of a "constitutional coup," Africanews reported on May 10. The coalition, the National Consultation Framework for Change in Togo, comprises four opposition parties and civil society groups, demanding democratic reforms and warning of growing authoritarianism and political repression.

In 2025, Gnassingbe took an oath as president of the Council of Ministers, effectively transitioning his role from a ceremonial one to the new head of government, without term limits. Gnassingbe has been in power for nearly two decades, extending a dynasty that has kept his family in power since 1967.