By: Jeremiah Nutsugah
Research Fellow at the Legon Centre for International Affairs and Diplomacy (LECIAD), University of Ghana Dr. Kipo Sunyehzi has urged the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to take a greater interest in the domestic affairs of its member states, emphasizing the need for behind-the-scenes diplomacy not by releasing statements.
According to a statement from the Dynamique pour la Majorité du Peuple (DMP) opposition coalition and other signatories, changes to presidential term limits and election procedures were seen as a political maneuver to enable Gnassingbe to extend his tenure indefinitely.
During Friday’s vote, lawmakers unanimously approved an amended charter that shifts the method of presidential election from universal suffrage to parliamentary appointment.
The amendments also introduce a parliamentary system of government and reduce presidential terms to four years, with a two-term limit.
Dr. Sunyehzi emphasized the importance of ECOWAS engaging with these amendments, stating, “It is crucial for ECOWAS to move beyond its traditional stance of non-interference in member states’ domestic affairs.”
He expressed concern that failure to engage could lead to unrest and questioned the outcome of future elections if ECOWAS remains indifferent to such amendments.
He highlighted the role of internal manipulations in prompting opposition boycotts and stressed the need for ECOWAS to heed the voices of figures in Togo.
Drawing parallels with Senegal’s past political situation, he underscored the effectiveness of behind-the-scenes diplomacy in averting crises, urging ECOWAS to engage with President Faure Gnassingbe and his parliament discreetly to caution against dangerous paths.
In Togo violent police crack down in various political demonstrations have been routine under President Faure Gnassingbe when re-elected in 2020 landslide disputed by the opposition a they were during his father king rule.
