In Togo, the expectation is clear: the military stands as a guardian of peace, tasked with defending borders and safeguarding citizens. Yet, far too often, this noble role is overshadowed by a disturbing reality—soldiers storming into private homes to mete out brutal punishments to defenseless individuals.
When protection becomes persecution
The home is meant to be a sanctuary, a place where families feel secure. But in cities like Lomé and Sokodé, as well as countless other neighborhoods, this sense of safety is shattered when armed forces forcibly enter residences without warrants or valid reasons. What begins as a show of strength quickly spirals into a scene of terror.
Unarmed civilians—fathers, sons, and young men—are subjected to humiliating beatings in their own courtyards, their dignity stripped away in front of loved ones. These acts are not demonstrations of discipline; they are acts of cowardice and unchecked brutality.
The chain of command’s complicity
Such behavior is not an isolated incident perpetrated by a single “rotten apple.” It reflects a systemic failure—one where leadership either turns a blind eye or actively sanctions violence as a tactic to instill fear. When soldiers are allowed to operate above the law, the consequences are severe:
- Erosion of public trust: Victims of military brutality no longer see the state as a protector but as an oppressor, deepening the divide between authority and the people.
- Fuel for unrest: Treating civilians as adversaries does not command respect; it breeds resentment and fuels the flames of rebellion.
- Legal violations: Home invasions, assaults, and extrajudicial violence violate both Togolese law and military codes. No regulation permits abuse under the guise of “discipline.”
Soldiers vs. police: a dangerous mix
The core issue lies in the misallocation of military resources. Soldiers are trained for combat, not community policing. When deployed for law enforcement, the lines blur—neighborhoods become battlefields, and ordinary citizens become targets. This not only endangers lives but also undermines the very purpose of the armed forces.
The path to redemption for Togo’s military
True honor in the military is not measured by the size of one’s fists but by the strength of one’s integrity. Soldiers must uphold the law, not trample it. For the cycle of violence to end, impunity must be dismantled. Accountability is the first step toward rebuilding trust and restoring dignity to every Togolese household.
The Togo we need is not one ruled by fear, but one governed by justice.
