Faure Gnassingbé inspects the frontlines of operation koundjoaré as Togo strengthens security

The President of the Council and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Faure Gnassingbé, recently visited the frontlines of Operation Koundjoaré in northern Togo. This high-stakes mission took place in the Savanes Region, where violent extremism threatens regional stability and soldiers endure prolonged combat conditions. The visit underscored the urgency of the situation and the need for decisive action to secure Togo’s borders.

On the morning of May 7, the President arrived by helicopter at a tense border zone where the harmattan winds give way to stifling heat. This area is not just a geographical line—it is a volatile front where danger lurks behind every rock and bush. The enemy remains faceless, blending into the landscape, making vigilance and adaptability critical for Togo’s defense strategy.

Strategic briefings and military challenges at the command post

Under strict confidentiality, Faure Gnassingbé held a closed-door meeting at the Operational Command Post (PCO). Military leaders presented satellite imagery and intelligence reports detailing the evolving security threats. The briefing highlighted the asymmetrical warfare tactics employed by armed groups, including improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and infiltration attempts from the Sahel region. The porous borders and rugged terrain further complicate security efforts.

During the discussion, the President probed deep into operational constraints, including logistical hurdles and material shortages faced by frontline troops. He emphasized the need for continuous adaptation—enhancing security measures, improving unit responsiveness, and boosting operational efficiency to minimize vulnerabilities.

Tchamonga: confronting the enemy face-to-face

The most symbolic part of the visit was the President’s trip to the Tchamonga Advanced Operational Post (POA), a critical forward base in the direct combat zone. Here, the reality of the battlefield became tangible. In a tactical sand table simulation, military officers demonstrated patrol mechanisms and intervention scenarios in this high-risk area.

Faure Gnassingbé then met with soldiers whose faces bore the marks of endless nights, harsh weather, and relentless pressure. Addressing the troops, he commended their unwavering commitment and sacrifices, acknowledging those who have already given their lives in defense of the nation. He called for sustained vigilance against an ever-shifting threat while reaffirming the military’s full support.

The President also assured the forces that their needs—equipment upgrades and enhanced operational capabilities—were being addressed to bolster morale and combat readiness in this strategic sector.

Operation Koundjoaré: beyond the battlefield

Operation Koundjoaré serves as the military backbone of Togo’s defense strategy, but victory requires more than firepower. The government’s holistic approach integrates military action with social resilience programs to prevent extremism from taking root.

The Emergency Program for the Savanes Region (PURS) focuses on delivering essential services such as clean water, electricity, schools, and roads to local communities. This initiative aims to eliminate poverty-driven vulnerabilities that extremists exploit.

Additionally, the Interministerial Committee for Prevention of Violent Extremism (CIPLEV) collaborates with traditional leaders and youth to detect early signs of radicalization and foster social cohesion. These efforts reflect Togo’s commitment to addressing root causes while maintaining military pressure.

Regional solidarity in the fight against terrorism

This visit also highlighted Togo’s commitment to regional security cooperation, particularly with Benin and Burkina Faso. Recognizing that extremism transcends borders, the President’s presence sent a clear message: Togo stands firm against armed groups and will safeguard its territorial integrity despite a volatile regional climate.

By visiting Tchamonga and engaging directly with troops, Faure Gnassingbé demonstrated leadership in a high-stakes environment, reinforcing Togo’s resolve to protect its people and secure its future.