President Faure Gnassingbe will run for another term despite protests and the political opposition. Since 1967, the Gnassingbe family has been in power in Togo. The country has similarities with Syria and North Korea in regards to the head of state has their children be successors. Parliament approved constitutional revision, which mean that Faure Gnassingbe could stay in power up until 2030. The presidency in Togo has five year terms,but there is no indication that Gnassingbe would willingly give up power with the end of the term. Certain countries may make a leader president for life. With the change in the constitution this may be a means of enabling President Faure Gnassingbe to remain in power indefinitely. As long as he maintains support of the military and the Union for the Republic Party his political survival is guaranteed. However, growing public resentment could possibly cause his downfall. So far, there is little condemnation from the European countries or the US. The reason is that Togo may become more important in relation to counter terrorism efforts. Nigeria and Burkina Faso are confronting violence from the Islamic State, Al-Qaeda in the Maghreb, and Boko Harem. The presence of such groups could be used as an excuse to silence opposition or legitimize authoritarian leaders. The reason President Faure Gnassingbe still has support is the fear of what occurs in neighboring countries. A mix of discord and repression can only result in post-election violence.
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