The opposition in Togo has denounced a proposed new constitution as a power grab, intended to extend the reign of President Faure Gnassingbé.
The reforms would see the West African country move from a presidential to a parliamentary system. But the opposition says they are a ruse to keep Mr Gnassingbé - already in his fourth term - in power.
The presidentâs supporters say the changes would reduce the powers of the head of state by transforming the presidency into a ceremonial role. Human Rights Minister Yawa Djigbodi TsĂ©gan says they will âimprove democracy in the countryâ.
But the opposition says the reforms would allow him to remain president until 2031 and then be appointed to the new position of âpresident of the council of ministersâ - in effect prime minister - continuing his familyâs 57-year rule.
President Gnassingbé came to power in 2005 after the death of his father, who had been president since 1967.
The constitutional changes were approved by lawmakers last month. But in the face of mounting public anger, Mr Gnassingbé paused the reforms and said they would be subject to further consultations.
âDonât Touch My Constitutionâ
Pro-government lawmakers have conducted visits around the country to âlisten to and inform civilians on the constitutional reformâ.
Customary rulers and selected groups were among the main target of the discussions - but no changes were made as a result.
There is widespread fear among people about expressing views in public in case they are targeted by the authorities, especially in light of police cracking down on anti-government protests.
Last month, an opposition press conference under the banner of âDonât Touch My Constitutionâ was broken up by authorities.
Gerry Taama, the leader of the second-largest opposition party, the New Togolese Commitment, said he feels âdisappointed with what is happeningâ.
âNot going to accept thisâ
One-time presidential candidate Brigitte Kafui Johnson, who leads the opposition CDPA party, described the constitutional amendments as a âpower grabâ.
In contrast, those supporting the constitutional changes argue they will strengthen democracy and improve political stability. âThe aspirations of our people are not served by the current constitution,â said PacĂŽme Adjourouvi, an adviser to the president.
Activists and opposition leaders had called for protests - but these were banned.
Amid the turmoil, Mr GnassingbĂ© postponed this monthâs parliamentary elections, a move that only served to stir up the unrest.
Then the government announced that the elections would go ahead after all, rescheduling them for 29 April, just over a week later than the original date.
The opposition insist they will not back down until the changes are withdrawn.
âWeâre not going to accept this, and we will fight against this constitution,â said Brigitte Kafui Johnson.