30 Apr 2020 | 10:37 AM UTC
Togo: Presidential inauguration set for May 3 /update 6
Constitutional Court announces Presidential inauguration ceremony for May 3; heightened security presence and localized disruptions expected
Event
The inauguration ceremony for President Faure Gnassingbé is set to take place in Lomé on Sunday, May 3. The ceremony will be held at the presidential palace at 11:00 (local time) with a limited number of attendees, due to the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and related restrictions.
A heightened security presence is anticipated around the inauguration venue. Associated political protests cannot be ruled out.
Context
The constitutional court in Togo confirmed on March 3, that incumbent President Gnassingbé won the February 22 presidential elections, with over 70 percent of the vote. Gnassingbé has led Togo since 2005. In May 2019, parliament passed a law capping the presidential mandate at two five-year terms. However, the law was not backdated, allowing President Gnassingbé to potentially stay in office until 2030.
Advice
Individuals in Togo are advised to keep abreast of the situation and to avoid all potential protests and demonstrations as a precaution. Avoid discussing sensitive political topics in public and obey all instructions issued by local authorities.
