The Caucus of Women Parliamentarians in Togo held its general assembly on October 28, 2026, at the National Assembly Palace. The assembly, now expanded to include senators, re-elected Ibrahima Mémounatou as its president. Mémounatou is the first vice-president of the National Assembly and president of the ECOWAS Parliament. The event took an unexpected turn with the publication of the new bureau, which included the name of Kafui Adjamagbo-Johnson, an opposition MP, as the second vice-president.
Adjamagbo-Johnson, the secretary-general of the CDPA, expressed her surprise and disappointment at being listed as a member of the bureau without her consent. She claimed she had not participated in the general assembly and had not been contacted or consulted about her candidacy. The MP denounced the practice, saying it showed disregard for her freedom of decision. The Caucus has not publicly reacted to her concerns.
Adjamagbo-Johnson also criticized the Caucus for its silence on the detention of women who were arrested for their opinions or participation in demonstrations. She specifically mentioned Essossimna Marguerite Gnakadé, the former Minister of Defense, who was arrested on September 17, 2025, and is still being held. The MP accused the Caucus of being a "facade representation" and refused to serve in the bureau.
In a statement on her Facebook page, Adjamagbo-Johnson demanded that her name be withdrawn from the list and that all communications presenting her as a member of the Caucus be rectified. She emphasized that she is committed to a cause and will not exercise any function within the bureau. The Caucus, on the other hand, presented a meeting focused on adapting its texts to the advent of bicameralism.
The Caucus of Women Parliamentarians was created in 2011 and currently has 39 female parliamentarians, including 24 deputies and 15 senators, with support from the UNDP. Its president, Ibrahima Mémounatou, called on the elected representatives of both chambers to speak with one voice in the service of women and girls.
Adjamagbo-Johnson's decision to reject the post has raised questions about the selection process and the role of the Caucus in promoting women's rights in Togo. The incident has highlighted the challenges faced by women in politics and the need for greater transparency and accountability in the selection of leaders.
The Caucus's expansion to include senators aims to strengthen its representation and advocacy for women's rights in Togo. However, Adjamagbo-Johnson's rejection of the post has created tension within the organization, and it remains to be seen how the Caucus will address her concerns and move forward.
Key points
- Kafui Adjamagbo-Johnson rejected the post of second vice-president in the Caucus of Women Parliamentarians due to lack of consultation and the Caucus's silence on detained women.
- The Caucus of Women Parliamentarians was re-elected with Ibrahima Mémounatou as its president and expanded to include senators.
- Adjamagbo-Johnson demanded that her name be withdrawn from the list and that the Caucus rectify its communications presenting her as a member.
