Before transitioning entirely into state politics, he was a distinguished scholar, teaching public law at the University of Benin (later renamed the University of Lomé). His deep academic expertise in constitutional law directly shaped his political utility; he was a key member of the National Committee tasked with drafting the text for Togo’s 1980 Constitution. He balanced his academic and state roles for much of his life, instructing future generations of jurists from 1992 until 2020. Rise Through the RPT Regime
Natchaba’s place in history was cemented in February 2005 following the death of President Gnassingbé Eyadéma. According to the Togolese Constitution at the time, if the presidency became vacant, the President of the National Assembly was to assume the role of interim Head of State to oversee a transition election. fambaré ouattara natchaba
: Outside of politics, he was a respected Professor of Law at the University of Lomé from 1992 until his death in 2020. The 2005 Succession Crisis Before transitioning entirely into state politics, he was
The outcome, however, demonstrates the limits of constitutionalism in the face of raw power. The RPT-dominated Assembly, cowed by soldiers surrounding the chamber, voted to expel Natchaba from his post and amend the succession law. Regional pressure from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union eventually forced a nominal election, which Faure won amid massive fraud and bloodshed. Natchaba faded from the political forefront, returning to law and diplomacy. His moment had passed. Rise Through the RPT Regime Natchaba’s place in
In 1999, Natchaba was elected as the President of the National Assembly (Speaker of Parliament). This position placed him second in the line of succession, directly behind the President. During his tenure, he was viewed as a disciplined enforcer of the RPT's agenda, ensuring that the legislative body remained aligned with the executive branch under President Eyadéma.
For further reading, you can visit his biographical entry on Wikipedia or view local news archives on Alome.com .
Gando in the northern Savanes Region of Togo, Natchaba pursued higher education across North Africa and Europe. He earned his degree in public law and advanced postgraduate qualifications in Tunisia, Côte d'Ivoire, and France.
