The role of transnational democracy activists during Togo’s constitutional reform episode, 2017-2019

Nowack, Daniel
Mitarbeiter sonstige

in: Sven Grimm / Stephan Klingebiel (eds.), Transnational cooperation – an explorative collection, Bonn: German Institute of Development and Sustainability, 40-45

ISBN: 978-3-96021-229-4
DOI: https://doi.org/10.23661/idp4.2024

Amidst resurgent autocratisation around the world, digitalisation makes it easier than ever before for civil society activists and opposition politicians to connect with potential allies in other countries. Particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, domestic grassroots social movements seem to be increasingly connecting and forming transnational networks and platforms. Against this observation it becomes relevant to study whether transnational alliances can and will play a greater role in fostering democratisation and countering autocratisation. This paper first provides background on the phenomenon of increased transnational networking in sub-Saharan Africa. It then proceeds to present a brief case vignette of the role transnational activist connections played during Togo’s constitutional reform episode 2017-2019. Findings show that activists purposefully sought transnational allies, but that for the specific case at hand, the links to transnational networks and platforms were still too nascent. The Togolese regime hence was able to easily obstruct transnational democracy activists from having greater influence.

About the author

Nowack, Daniel

Political Science