Faure Gnassingbé’s Speech on Democracy‍ and Good Governance: A ‌Masterclass in​ Hypocrisy

«…our strategic ambition‍ is to be ‌a strong, visionary ‍and defensive state. Strengthening⁢ the good governance of our public institutions is clearly key to implementing this strategy. For what? Because good governance of public institutions helps to generate confidence and legitimacy in the population. This is the foundation of political stability and social cohesion. The major institutional reforms ⁢underway in‌ Togo are transforming our presidential system into a parliamentary system. The aim of this⁤ is to better ⁤balance ​the executive and⁤ legislative powers, the same is true of creating ‍a parliament. We therefore ensure that⁤ our political institutions are inclusive and representative.‌ And we also strengthen democracy, electoral transparency and the accountability of leaders to their populations…» ‌(Faure Gnassingbé, at the Sino-African Economic Forum, ​in Beijing)

Faure Gnassingbé’s speech⁢ on democracy, good governance, and strong institutions at the China-Africa summit in Beijing ⁤was a masterclass in hypocrisy. The Togolese head of state’s words were a far cry from the⁤ reality of his country’s political situation. Togo has been experiencing a political crisis for half​ a century, and Gnassingbé’s regime has been criticized for its lack of democratic qualities.

Gnassingbé’s speech was not⁤ genuine, but rather an attempt to improve his image and​ that of his regime. He knew that⁤ many of his listeners were not aware of the dramatic reality of Togo’s political situation. The Togolese head of state has been in power for almost 20 years, and his regime⁢ has been marked by a lack of​ democratic transparency and accountability.

The recent constitutional changes in Togo, which Gnassingbé praised in his‌ speech, were ​not democratic. The changes⁤ were made⁣ by a ‌national assembly whose‌ democratic character was questionable, and without a referendum to seek the people’s opinion. ​This lack of democratic process is a hallmark of Gnassingbé’s ‌regime.

Gnassingbé’s behavior is a reminder that he is not interested in leaving power anytime soon. He continues to send​ a⁣ message to the Togolese people that he is in control and that he has no intention of ‍vacating the floor. The legitimacy‍ of⁤ the Togolese ‍people does⁣ not seem to be a concern for him.

Gnassingbé’s attempt to pass himself off as a great Pan-Africanist, democrat, ⁤and mediator in the subregion is laughable. He has ⁣shown that he is incapable of⁤ solving the major domestic problems in Togo, and his regime has been marked by human rights violations and corruption.

«…I will conclude by saying ⁤that there is no economic, social and political development ⁢without solid institutions. But there are also no strong institutions without good governance. Within our states, better governance ⁤is ⁤essential to promote development and democracy.» These words from Gnassingbé’s ⁤speech are a stark reminder of the lack of democratic qualities⁣ in his regime. Togo lacks ⁤the solid institutions and good governance that Gnassingbé claims are essential for development and democracy.

Gnassingbé’s speech was not a genuine attempt to promote democracy and good governance, but rather a cynical‍ attempt to improve‍ his image and that of his​ regime. The Togolese⁤ people deserve better than a leader who​ is more interested in maintaining power than in promoting‍ democracy and ‍development.

Samari Tchadjobo
Germany