Abstract

Africa faces a range of complex issues related to maintaining and advancing democratic stability. In this paper, we examine Togo, with a specific focus on the political impasses that could hinder the democratic development of the small West African coastal state in the face of threats such as violent extremism and terrorism. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) tried to address the situation in Togo, primarily by intensifying its diplomatic efforts to prevent the region from becoming a hub for military juntas. As a result, the paper examines the measures involved in implementing prevention measures against the political impasse in Togo. It does so by analysing the sources of Togo’s political impasse and takes into consideration ECOWAS’s attempt to resolve and prevent conflict. The study concludes that diplomatic strategies ought to be employed by ECOWAS to address the identified political challenges effectively. In addition, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) should not only be vibrant but also work to identify gaps in the political situation and encourage people to understand that this does not call for violence. Furthermore, ECOWAS should review its Protocol on Good Governance to effectively address the issue of the third-term syndrome. ECOWAS should condemn coups, implement sanctions to encourage the leader to accept multi-party democracy, be vocal in denouncing poor governance, and engage the current leader to step down. In addition, the CSOs should be given the freedom to speak freely and demonstrate against bad governance in Togo. This means that all actors and stakeholders will be able to reach a peaceful agreement, promote good democratic values and human rights, enable multi-party participation in the country, promote participation in decision making, create an enabling environment for CSOs to operate without fear of intimidation, and build resilient and independent state institutions.