Togo’s president inspects Koundjoaré operation amid rising threats

In a bold display of leadership, Togo‘s President Faure Gnassingbé visited the front lines of Operation Koundjoaré in the northern Savanes Region on May 7, 2026. The high-stakes mission comes as violent extremism threatens the nation’s borders, forcing troops to endure prolonged, grueling combat conditions.

Landing by helicopter near the conflict zone, the President was greeted by Colonel Latiémbé Kombaté, the operation’s commander, in a region where danger lurks behind every rock and bush. The area, a critical battleground for Togo‘s territorial integrity, demands constant vigilance as armed groups exploit porous borders.

The environment is undeniably tense, with military leaders describing the situation as “deeply concerning”. The challenges are multifaceted: asymmetric warfare, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and the persistent threat of infiltration by terrorists from the Sahel. Each decision made on the ground carries life-or-death consequences.

Inside the Command Post: Decoding the Threat

President Gnassingbé began his visit with a closed-door briefing at the Operational Command Post (PCO). Using satellite maps and intelligence reports, military officers detailed the evolving security landscape, highlighting the difficulties of securing vast, unguarded borders.

Faure Gnassingbé listened intently as commanders outlined the operational constraints—limited resources, logistical hurdles, and the relentless pressure to adapt tactics. He emphasized the need for continuous improvement in security measures, unit responsiveness, and operational efficiency to minimize vulnerabilities.

Tchamonga: Where Strategy Meets Reality

Next, the President flew to Tchamonga, an advanced operational post on the front line. Here, the threat takes on a tangible form. Using a tactical sandbox—“a caisse à sable”—commanders demonstrated patrol routes and intervention scenarios to the President.

The moment of truth arrived when Faure Gnassingbé met with the soldiers. Their faces bore the marks of sleepless nights, harsh conditions, and relentless pressure, yet their determination was unmistakable. Addressing the troops, he commended their unwavering commitment, acknowledging the ultimate sacrifices already made by their comrades in the name of national security.

He urged them to remain vigilant against an ever-shifting enemy while reaffirming full military support. The President also assured them that their needs were being addressed, with equipment and capabilities being steadily upgraded to bolster operational effectiveness and morale.

The Two Pillars of Koundjoaré: Firepower and Resilience

Winning the battle in the Savanes Region requires more than just military force. It demands a holistic approach that addresses both security and social stability. President Gnassingbé’s visit underscored the dual pillars of Togo’s strategy:

• Military Action (Operation Koundjoaré): A robust defense strategy to neutralize threats and secure borders.
• Social Resilience Programs: Initiatives to protect vulnerable communities from extremist influence.
  • PURS (Emergency Program for the Savanes Region): Providing clean water, electricity, schools, and roads to improve living conditions and reduce radicalization risks.
  • CIPLEV: A government-led committee working with local leaders to detect early signs of radicalization and foster social cohesion.

Diplomacy on the Front Line

This trip also highlighted Togo’s commitment to regional cooperation in combating violent extremism. Close coordination with neighboring countries like Benin and Burkina Faso is vital to a successful counterterrorism strategy.

In a West Africa grappling with geopolitical shifts and security challenges, stabilizing the northern regions of Togo transcends national borders. By visiting Tchamonga, President Gnassingbé sent a clear message: Togo remains steadfast in its fight against armed groups, determined to protect its sovereignty despite a volatile regional landscape.