Fact Check: "Togo's leader has ruled for 58 years, now holds a position with no term limits."
What We Know
The claim that Togo's leader has ruled for 58 years and currently holds a position with no term limits is partially accurate. Faure Gnassingbé has been in power since 2005, following the death of his father, Gnassingbé Eyadéma, who ruled Togo for 38 years from 1967 until his death in 2005. This means that as of 2023, Faure Gnassingbé has been in power for approximately 18 years, not 58 years. However, the total duration of the Gnassingbé family's rule over Togo, combining both leaders, does approach 58 years, as Eyadéma's rule accounts for the majority of that time (source).
In 2019, a constitutional amendment was passed that removed the presidential term limits that were previously in place. This change allows the current president to run for re-election indefinitely, effectively eliminating term limits for the presidency (source).
Analysis
The claim's accuracy hinges on the interpretation of "58 years" and the context of term limits. While it is true that the Gnassingbé family has had a long-standing influence over Togo's political landscape, the assertion that Faure Gnassingbé himself has ruled for 58 years is misleading. His leadership began in 2005, making the claim of 58 years incorrect when referring specifically to him.
The removal of term limits is a significant political development, as it allows Faure Gnassingbé to potentially remain in power indefinitely. This change has been criticized by various human rights organizations and political analysts who argue that it undermines democratic processes in Togo (source). The sources used in this analysis are credible, as they come from established news outlets and political analysis platforms that focus on African politics.
Conclusion
Needs Research. The claim that Togo's leader has ruled for 58 years is misleading when considering the specific individual in power. While the Gnassingbé family has indeed dominated Togo's politics for nearly six decades, Faure Gnassingbé himself has been in office for only 18 years. Additionally, the assertion regarding the lack of term limits is accurate, but it requires more context regarding the implications for Togo's political future. Further research is needed to fully understand the political dynamics at play in Togo.
