On Thursday, May 7, 2026, Faure Gnassingbé, President of the Council and supreme commander of the armed forces, embarked on a critical visit to the front lines of Operation Koundjoaré in Togo’s far northern reaches. This journey was undertaken amidst the pressing threat of violent extremism encroaching upon the Savanes region, aiming to invigorate troops engaged in a grueling war of attrition. His presence, close to the heart of danger, underscored the urgency of the situation, with the rhythmic thrum of helicopter blades piercing a silence heavy with potential threats.
In this borderland, where the dry harmattan dust gradually yields to May’s stifling heat, the frontier represents more than just a line on a map. It signifies a zone of persistent tension. Here, the adversary remains elusive, lacking a distinct face or uniform, yet its presence is palpable behind every bush and rocky outcrop. It was into this unforgiving landscape, where Togo confronts one of its most pivotal struggles for territorial integrity, that Faure Gnassingbé arrived around 10 AM that Thursday.
Upon disembarking from his helicopter, the head of state was greeted by Colonel Latiémbé Kombaté, the senior commander of Operation Koundjoaré. This was no mere ceremonial inspection. The gravity of the moment was clear, with the military high command deeming the regional security landscape “alarming,” emphasizing that every decision made on the ground carries profound human implications.
deciphering the threat at the command post
The initial phase of this immersive visit unfolded behind closed doors within the secure confines 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 conveyed the harsh realities on the ground: asymmetric warfare, the pervasive danger of improvised explosive devices (IEDs), persistent attempts by armed terrorist groups from the Sahel to infiltrate, and the ongoing challenge of securing hundreds of kilometers of porous borders.
Confronting these formidable obstacles, the supreme commander of the armed forces listened intently to military leaders, posing numerous questions regarding the operational and material constraints faced by the personnel deployed on the front. He subsequently underscored the vital need for continuous adaptation: enhancing security protocols, optimizing unit responsiveness, and boosting operational effectiveness to minimize vulnerabilities.
tchamonga: the sand table and the front’s harsh reality
However, the most symbolic segment of this visit was yet to unfold. The head of state re-embarked by air, heading eastward to reach the advanced operational post (POA) of Tchamonga, situated directly within the border zone.
Here, the stark reality of the battlefield gained even greater tangibility. Standing before a “sand table” — a tactical model used to simulate enemy positions — the President was briefed on the patrol mechanisms and intervention scenarios deployed in this highly sensitive area.
Subsequently, came the direct encounter with the soldiers. Their faces bore the marks of sleepless nights, arduous climatic conditions, and the unyielding pressure of the field, yet their gazes remained resolute. Addressing them, Faure Gnassingbé commended the profound sense of duty and sacrifice exhibited by the engaged forces, acknowledging that several of their comrades had already paid the ultimate price for national security.
He urged the troops to maintain unwavering vigilance against a fluid and unpredictable threat, simultaneously reiterating the full backing of the military high command.
The President of the Council also highlighted that the needs of the deployed forces are progressively being addressed through enhanced equipment and operational capabilities. This message aimed to bolster the morale of the personnel serving on this crucial strategic front line.
koundjoaré’s dual pillars: defense and community resilience
Why is this visit so profoundly important now? Because the battle for the Savanes will not be won solely through military might. It is also waged within the minds and daily lives of local populations, who are particularly vulnerable targets for terrorist indoctrination.
The presidential visit illuminated the comprehensive, or “holistic,” strategy adopted by the Togolese government to counteract the spread of insecurity:
┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ HOLISTIC SECURITY APPROACH │
└────────────────────────┬─────────────────────────┘
│
┌────────────────────────────┼────────────────────────────┐
▼ ▼ ▼
┌───────────────┐ ┌───────────────┐ ┌───────────────┐
│ MILITARY │ │ SOCIAL (PURS) │ │ PREVENTION │
│ Operation │ │ Emergency in │ │ CIPLEV │
│ Koundjoaré │ │ the Savanes │ │ Dialogue & │
│ (The Shield) │ │ (Resilience) │ │ Communities │
└───────────────┘ └───────────────┘ └───────────────┘
While Operation Koundjoaré serves as the indispensable military shield, the state is simultaneously implementing several programs designed to bolster the resilience of local communities:
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The PURS (Emergency Program for the Savanes Region): This initiative focuses on providing essential services such as potable water, electricity, schools, and roads to populations, thereby preventing poverty from becoming a breeding ground for extremism.
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The CIPLEV: This interministerial committee collaborates closely with traditional leaders and youth to identify indicators of radicalization and fortify social cohesion within communities.
a proactive regional diplomacy
This frontline visit also served to underscore the vital security cooperation between Togo and its neighboring countries, particularly Bénin and Burkina Faso. Togolese authorities firmly believe that combating violent extremism can only be effective through enhanced regional coordination.
In a West Africa characterized by shifting geopolitical dynamics and security vulnerabilities, stabilizing northern Togo now extends beyond a purely national concern.
By traveling to Tchamonga, directly to the deployed units, Faure Gnassingbé delivered an unequivocal message: Togo is committed to maintaining pressure against armed groups and safeguarding its territorial integrity, notwithstanding the particularly volatile regional environment.
