On August 20, 2024, Togo marked a significant political milestone with the announcement of its new government, following the controversial constitutional amendment ratified on May 6 of this year.
This newly appointed executive body is tasked with guiding the country through its transition to the 5th Republic. The reshuffle is notable, featuring the departure of 13 ministers and the introduction of 11 new figures into the government.
Leading the transition is former Prime Minister Victoire Tomegah-Dogbé, who will preside over a cabinet that, while retaining some familiar faces, places them in new roles.
Among those serving under the Presidency are Kokou Edem Tengue and Pascal Bodjona, the former Minister of Territorial Administration. Pascal Akoussoulèlou Bodjona resumed work with the ruling party on December 29 last year, when he was promoted by President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé to the position of Special Advisor in charge of political affairs.
In this new government structure, the Ministry of Development Planning and the Ministry of Armed Forces have been placed under the direct supervision of the Presidency. Meanwhile, the Minister of Land, Air, and Rail Transport now reports to the Prime Minister’s Office.
As a reminder, the new constitution, which abolishes presidential elections, has not been approved by the opposition and several civil society organizations. These groups continue to organize protests against the new laws, which they argue allow Faure Gnassingbé to extend his rule beyond the limits established by the previous constitution.