On Thursday, May 7, 2026, the President of the Council and Supreme Head of the Armed Forces journeyed to the front lines of Operation Koundjoaré, situated in Togo’s far north. Amidst the encroaching threat of violent extremism on the Savanes region and the critical need to boost the morale of troops engaged in a demanding war of attrition, this high-stakes visit brought the leader dangerously close to the conflict zone. Every moment of the trip was charged with significance, the thrumming of helicopter blades puncturing a silence heavy with potential threats.
Within this borderland, where the Harmattan’s dust slowly gives way to May’s stifling early heat, the frontier is far more than a mere line on a map. It represents a perpetual zone of tension. Here, the adversary remains unseen, lacking a discernible face or uniform, yet its presence is felt behind every bush and rocky outcrop. It was into this unforgiving landscape, where Togo is fighting one of its most vital battles for territorial integrity, that Faure Gnassingbé arrived around 10 AM on that pivotal Thursday.
LA SUITE APRÈS LA PUBLICITÉ
Upon disembarking from his helicopter, greeted by Colonel Latiémbé Kombaté, the senior commander of Operation Koundjoaré, the head of state’s visit was not merely a ceremonial inspection. The situation was dire. The regional security landscape is deemed “concerning” by senior military command, and every decision made on the ground directly impacts human lives.
deciphering the threat at the command post
The initial phase of this immersive visit took place behind closed doors within the confined environment of the Operational Command Post (PCO). With satellite maps spread out and intelligence reports at hand, the President of the Council received a comprehensive briefing on the evolving security threat.
Officers provided a stark portrayal of the ground reality: asymmetric warfare, the persistent danger of improvised explosive devices (IEDs), continuous attempts by armed terrorist groups from the Sahel to infiltrate, and the enduring challenge of securing hundreds of kilometers of permeable borders.
Confronted with these formidable challenges, the Supreme Head of the Armed Forces listened intently to military officials, asking numerous questions about the operational and material constraints faced by the personnel on the front lines. He then underscored the absolute necessity for continuous adaptation: strengthening security protocols, enhancing the reactivity of units, and boosting operational effectiveness to minimize vulnerabilities as much as possible.
tchamonga: the reality of the front line
The most symbolic part of this visit, however, was yet to unfold. The head of state re-embarked on his helicopter, heading east to reach the advanced operational post (POA) of Tchamonga, situated directly within the border zone.
Here, the harsh reality of the field takes on an even more tangible dimension. Standing before a “sand table”—a tactical model used to simulate enemy positions—the president was briefed on patrol mechanisms and intervention scenarios deployed in this critical area.
Then came the crucial moment of direct engagement with the soldiers. Their faces, etched with the strain of sleepless nights, challenging weather conditions, and constant pressure from the field, nonetheless conveyed unwavering determination. Addressing them, Faure Gnassingbé commended the profound sense of duty and sacrifice exhibited by the forces, acknowledging that several of their comrades had already given their lives for national security.
He urged the troops to maintain ceaseless vigilance against an elusive and unpredictable threat, while simultaneously reaffirming the full backing of the senior military command.
The President of the Council also emphasized that the needs of the deployed forces are being progressively addressed through enhanced equipment and operational capabilities. This message aimed to bolster the morale of the men stationed on this vital strategic front line.
operation koundjoaré: military action and community resilience
Why is this visit so profoundly important now? Because the battle in the Savanes region will not be won solely through military force. It is also fought within the minds of the local populations, who are often primary targets for terrorist indoctrination.
The presidential visit highlighted the comprehensive, or “holistic,” strategy developed by the Togolese government to counter the spread of insecurity. This approach rests on three pillars: Military, Social, and Prevention.
While Operation Koundjoaré provides the essential military shield, the State simultaneously implements several initiatives designed to strengthen the resilience of local communities:
-
The PURS (Emergency Program for the Savanes Region): This program aims to provide access to potable water, electricity, schools, and roads for the populace, preventing poverty from becoming a fertile ground for extremism.
-
The CIPLEV: This inter-ministerial committee collaborates closely with traditional leaders and youth to identify signs of radicalization and foster stronger social cohesion.
a proactive regional diplomacy
This front-line visit also served to underscore the critical security cooperation between Togo and neighboring countries, particularly Benin and Burkina Faso. Togolese authorities maintain that effectively combating violent extremism necessitates enhanced regional coordination.
In a West Africa characterized by evolving geopolitical dynamics and significant security vulnerabilities, stabilizing northern Togo now transcends mere national boundaries.
By traveling to Tchamonga, directly to the units engaged in combat, Faure Gnassingbé aimed to send a clear message: Togo is committed to sustaining pressure against armed groups and safeguarding its territorial integrity, despite a particularly volatile regional environment.
