On Thursday, May 7, 2026, President Faure Gnassingbé, serving as the President of the Council and supreme commander of the armed forces, journeyed to the front lines of Operation Koundjoaré, situated in the far northern reaches of Togo. This critical expedition, undertaken amidst the looming threat of violent extremism encroaching upon the Savanes region and the pressing need to invigorate battle-weary troops engaged in a protracted conflict, brought him perilously close to the danger zone. It was a visit where every moment held profound significance, punctuated by the throbbing sound of helicopter blades cutting through a silence heavy with potential threats.
Within this volatile border area, where the arid dust of the Harmattan gradually yields to the oppressive heat of May, the frontier is far more than a mere line on a map. It represents a perpetual zone of tension. Here, the adversary remains elusive, without a discernible face or uniform, yet its presence is keenly felt behind every thicket and rocky outcrop. It was into this unforgiving landscape, where Togo is waging one of its most vital struggles for territorial integrity, that Faure Gnassingbé chose to arrive around 10:00 AM on that pivotal Thursday.
Upon disembarking from his helicopter, greeted by Colonel Latiémbé Kombaté, the senior commander of Operation Koundjoaré, the head of state’s presence signaled more than a routine inspection. The situation was undeniably grave. The prevailing regional security landscape was deemed “worrying” by the military high command, underscoring that every decision made on the ground carries profound implications for human lives.
Deciphering the threat at the Command Post
The initial phase of this immersive visit unfolded behind closed doors, within the focused environment of the Operational Command Post (PCO). With satellite maps spread out and intelligence reports at hand, President Gnassingbé received a comprehensive briefing on the evolving security threats.
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 inherent difficulty of securing hundreds of kilometers of permeable borders.
In response to these formidable challenges, the supreme commander of the armed forces listened intently to the military leaders, asking numerous questions regarding the operational and material constraints faced by the personnel deployed on the front. He subsequently underscored the imperative for continuous adaptation: strengthening security protocols, enhancing the responsiveness of units, and boosting operational effectiveness to minimize vulnerabilities as much as possible.
Tchamonga: the sand table and the front’s stark reality
The most symbolic segment of this crucial visit, however, was yet to unfold. The head of state took to the air once more, heading eastward to the Advanced Operational Post (POA) of Tchamonga, situated directly within the volatile border zone.
Here, the harsh realities of the field gained an even more tangible dimension. Standing before a “sand table”—a tactical model utilized to simulate enemy positions—the President was briefed on the patrol mechanisms and intervention scenarios deployed within this highly sensitive area.
Then came the profound moment of direct engagement with the soldiers. Their faces, etched with the strain of sleepless nights, challenging climatic conditions, and the unyielding pressure of the terrain, nevertheless conveyed unwavering determination. Addressing the troops, Faure Gnassingbé lauded their profound sense of duty and sacrifice, acknowledging that many of their comrades had already made the ultimate sacrifice for national security.
He urged the forces to maintain unceasing vigilance against a fluid and unpredictable threat, while simultaneously reaffirming the unwavering support of the military’s senior leadership.
The President of the Council also reiterated that the needs of the deployed forces are being progressively addressed through the enhancement of equipment and operational capabilities. This message was specifically aimed at bolstering the morale of the men stationed on this strategic front line.
Koundjoaré’s dual strategy: military action and community resilience
Why is this presidential visit so critically important today? Because the struggle in the Savanes region demands more than military might alone. Victory also hinges on winning hearts and minds, and on safeguarding the daily lives of local populations, who are particularly vulnerable to extremist indoctrination.
The presidential expedition underscored the comprehensive, or “holistic,” strategy adopted by the Togolese government to stem the tide of security contagion:
┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ HOLISTIC SECURITY APPROACH │
└────────────────────────┬─────────────────────────┘
│
┌────────────────────────────┼────────────────────────────┐
▼ ▼ ▼
┌───────────────┐ ┌───────────────┐ ┌───────────────┐
│ MILITARY │ │ SOCIAL (PURS) │ │ PREVENTION │
│ Operation │ │ Emergency in │ │ CIPLEV │
│ Koundjoaré │ │ Savanes │ │ Dialogue & │
│ (The Shield) │ │ (Resilience) │ │ Communities │
└───────────────┘ └───────────────┘ └───────────────┘
While Operation Koundjoaré provides the indispensable military shield, the state simultaneously implements various programs designed to bolster the resilience of local communities:
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The PURS (Emergency Program for the Savanes Region): This initiative aims to provide essential services such as potable water, electricity, schools, and roads to populations, thereby preventing poverty from becoming a fertile ground for extremism.
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The CIPLEV: This interministerial committee collaborates closely with traditional chiefs and youth to identify early signs of radicalization and to strengthen vital social cohesion within communities.
A proactive diplomatic stance
This front-line engagement also served to highlight the vital security cooperation between Togo and its neighboring nations, specifically Bénin and Burkina Faso. Togolese authorities firmly believe that an effective campaign against violent extremism necessitates robust and enhanced regional coordination.
In a West Africa characterized by evolving geopolitical landscapes and persistent security vulnerabilities, the stabilization of northern Togo now extends beyond mere national boundaries.
By traveling to Tchamonga, directly engaging with the deployed units, Faure Gnassingbé aimed to convey an unambiguous message: Togo is resolute in maintaining pressure against armed groups and steadfast in preserving its territorial integrity, despite the inherently unstable regional environment.
