On the security front, Togo is strengthening its border with Burkina Faso to better tackle terrorist attacks. Despite the army’s efforts to contain the threat in the Savanes region and the 2026–2027 plan of the Emergency Programme for the Savanes Region (PURS), the population remains concerned due to the proximity to high-risk areas. The same applies to the humanitarian crisis in Burkina Faso and internally displaced persons, which threaten the region’s stability. 

Lomé and Paris strengthen their partnership against interference and terrorism

In the same vein, the Justice Ministers of Togo and France have agreed to strengthen judicial cooperation to better combat terrorism. The French Minister of Justice met with his Togolese counterpart, and discussions focused on judicial cooperation to combat this scourge. For Gérald Darmanin, “in the face of terrorism and interference in particular, France stands shoulder to shoulder with Togo”. Lomé and Paris are thus committed to mutual legal assistance to track down criminal and terrorist networks that are increasingly operating across national borders.

Towards a thaw in relations between Togo and Benin following diplomatic tensions?

Meanwhile, President Faure Gnassingbé is reported to have contacted Benin’s newly elected president, Romuald Wadagni, to offer his congratulations. This move is seen as a step towards thawing relations between the two countries and reviving the dialogue, which had all but broken down. As a reminder, the Beninese authorities had accused Lomé of attempting to destabilise the country last December.

Political prisoners’ hunger strike: fresh controversy in Lomé

Meanwhile, the domestic situation continues to be the subject of much controversy. Opposition rallies denouncing abuses and violations of fundamental freedoms are proof of this. This time, it concerns thirteen detainees who have begun a hunger strike in Lomé. These ‘political prisoners’ were in fact arrested in 2018 for taking part in demonstrations against the government. The courts had, however, ordered their provisional release under judicial supervision, pending the examination of their appeal to the Court of Cassation. Yet they remain in prison, which has sparked widespread outrage. According to their lawyer, Darius Atsoo, “the decision was handed down by three independent and impartial judges; the Attorney General therefore has no choice but to enforce it”.