Togo Dissolves DMK Political Coalition, Citing Legal Non-Existence and Internal Strife

Government Dissolves Opposition Coalition

The Togolese government officially announced the dissolution of the Dynamique Monseigneur Kpodzro (DMK) political coalition on September 25, 2025. The decision was communicated through an official letter from the Ministry of Territorial Administration, de Decentralization, and Customary Chieftaincy. The government cited the coalition's lack of legal existence, specifically the absence of a required official receipt, and significant internal crises as the primary reasons for its disbandment.

Formation and Objectives of DMK

The DMK was formed in 2020 in the lead-up to the presidential election of that year. It emerged as a prominent opposition force, bringing together various political parties, civil society organizations, and independent personalities. The coalition's main objective was to support a single opposition candidate, Gabriel Messan Agbéyomé Kodjo, and to challenge the results of the 2020 presidential election. The coalition was notably spearheaded by supporters of Archbishop Philippe Fanoko Kpodzro, an influential figure in Togolese politics known for his advocacy for democracy.

Reasons for the Dissolution

According to the government's decree, the DMK 'n'a aucune existence légale' (has no legal existence) due to the absence of a valid registration receipt. Beyond this legal technicality, the government also pointed to the coalition's internal instability. The DMK had reportedly experienced successive departures of several founding figures and was plagued by repeated internal dissensions. These internal struggles intensified following the deaths of Archbishop Philippe Fanoko Kpodzro on January 9, 2024, and Gabriel Messan Agbéyomé Kodjo. Some reports indicate that certain former members of the DMK had themselves approached the authorities to request the coalition's dissolution.

Reactions from Opposition Figures

The dissolution has elicited strong reactions from within the opposition. Paul Missiagbeto, a former coordinator of the DMK, described the government's action as a 'betrayal' and accused specific former members of the coalition of orchestrating the dissolution by petitioning the authorities. Missiagbeto, currently in exile, affirmed that while the DMK might be dissolved on paper, its ideals would persist in the minds of Togolese citizens. Similarly, the Synergie Nouvelle pour la Libération du Togo (SYNOL-TOGO) condemned the decision, accusing those who sought the dissolution of 'delivering the DMK to adversaries' and asserting that the struggle for liberation would continue, particularly within the diaspora. The DMK had previously been active in protesting government policies and constitutional changes, with planned demonstrations as recently as June 2025.