Togo strengthens anti-terror operations with presidential visit to koundjoaré

The President of the Council and Supreme Head of the Armed Forces, Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, conducted a critical inspection on 7 May 2026 in the Koundjoaré operational zone, located in northern Togo. This on-site assessment was part of a broader strategy to monitor security operations against terrorist threats in the Savanes Region.

Upon arrival around 10:00 AM, Gnassingbé was greeted by the Koundjoaré operation commander. The visit proceeded to the Operational Command Post (PCO), where he received a detailed briefing on current security conditions, ongoing missions and the operational challenges faced by deployed troops.

Following the briefing, the Supreme Head of the Armed Forces issued new strategic directives aimed at enhancing the operational effectiveness of units on the ground. The visit continued to the forward operational base in Tchamonga, situated along the eastern border.

At Tchamonga, after a tactical demonstration using a sand table model, President Gnassingbé addressed the troops directly. He commended their bravery, professionalism and unwavering dedication in protecting the nation’s territorial integrity.

The Supreme Head of the Armed Forces also praised the forces for their achievements amid persistent regional security challenges. He highlighted the strong cooperation between Togolese troops and neighboring countries in combating terrorism.

Reaffirming the military high command’s full support for Operation Koundjoaré, Gnassingbé assured troops that their expressed needs would be progressively addressed to further boost operational capabilities.

He urged the forces to maintain high levels of vigilance, discipline and resolve in the face of destabilization attempts across the West African subregion.

In his welcome address, Colonel Kombaté Latiémbé, Koundjoaré operation commander, expressed gratitude for the resources allocated by the Head of State to strengthen defense and security operations. He reaffirmed the troops’ commitment to securing both the population and national territory.

Beyond military action, this visit underscores the comprehensive approach adopted by Togolese authorities in addressing security challenges. Alongside defense forces, multiple government mechanisms—including the Interministerial Committee for Preventing and Combating Violent Extremism (CIPLEV) and the Emergency Program for the Savanes Region (PURS)—are reinforcing community resilience in affected areas.

This proactive stance is further supported by diplomatic and mediation efforts led by Gnassingbé to promote peace, dialogue and stability throughout West Africa.