The Togolese opposition, comprising various movements including "Touche Pas à Ma Constitution", has expressed deep concerns over the persistent and severe power outages plaguing the country. These outages have been causing significant distress to households, small businesses, and industries, while also posing serious risks to healthcare services. The opposition groups have attributed the crisis to poor governance by the CEET and the state.
The opposition has been vocal about the need for transparency and accountability in the management of the CEET. They point to warnings from international financial institutions such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, as well as the Autorité de Réglementation du Secteur de l’Électricité (ARSE), regarding the anomalies in the management of the energy sector. The opposition demands an independent audit, publication of relevant data, and impartial investigations if irregularities are found.
The crisis has been escalating over several months, with the situation becoming increasingly intolerable for the Togolese population. The recurrent power outages have resulted in substantial economic losses and have severely impacted daily life. The opposition argues that the government's excuses, including claims of regional gas shortages, external equipment failures, and unforeseen maintenance, are no longer credible.
In a unified statement, the opposition movements have called for a "Journée Patriotique d’Avertissement" (Patriotic Warning Day) on November 20, 2026. They are urging citizens, consumer associations, trade unions, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to join them in demanding reliable electricity services, transparency in public management, and an end to corruption and impunity.
The opposition views the power crisis as a symptom of a broader governance issue, reflecting a systemic problem within the current political setup. They argue that the crisis will not be resolved through superficial promises or technical fixes but requires a fundamental change in the country's governance structure. The opposition advocates for a transition towards a more inclusive and democratic system.
The call for action is backed by prominent figures including Dynamique Monseigneur Kpodzro, Thomas Kokou Nsoukpoe, Sambiri Targone, Tchagnaou Ouro-Akpo, and Nathaniel Olympio. They stress that peaceful public demonstrations, as per the Constitution, are essential for bringing about necessary changes and achieving a sustainable solution to the energy crisis.
The Togolese population is now faced with the prospect of a significant mobilization on November 20, 2026. The opposition's initiatives aim to draw attention to the urgent need for reforms and to push for a more accountable and transparent management of the country's resources, particularly in the energy sector.
Key points
- The Togolese opposition demands an independent audit of the CEET.
- The opposition calls for a "Journée Patriotique d’Avertissement" on November 20, 2026.
- The crisis is attributed to poor governance and a lack of transparency in the management of the CEET and the state.
