In April 1967, the political landscape of Togo shifted dramatically when Gnassingbé Eyadéma, a colonel in the Togolese army, led a coup d'état against President Nicolas Grunitzky. Grunitzky had been facing significant challenges during his presidency, including economic stagnation and political unrest, which had made him unpopular. Eyadéma capitalized on the growing discontent, mobilizing his troops to seize control of the government. The coup began in the early hours, catching the Grunitzky administration off guard as Eyadéma's forces stormed the presidential compound in Lomé, swiftly detaining Grunitzky and other officials.Upon declaring the successful takeover, Eyadéma established the 'National Revolutionary Assembly' and announced himself as the president, instituting a one-party state under his control. His rule was characterized by authoritarian governance, marked by political repression, human rights violations, and the suppression of dissent. Throughout his nearly forty years in power, Eyadéma implemented various policies aimed at stabilizing the economy, while also fostering loyalty through state-sanctioned nationalism. Internationally, his regime often relied on military support and diplomatic ties with Western nations during the Cold War period, complicating the democratic aspirations of Togolese society and impacting regional stability in West Africa.