The armed forces are traditionally viewed as the guardians of a nation’s borders and the protectors of its people. However, in Togo, this perception is increasingly overshadowed by a distressing reality: soldiers entering private residences to assault unarmed citizens.

When the home is no longer a sanctuary

A person’s residence should be their ultimate place of safety. Yet, when military personnel break down doors without legal warrants to “teach a lesson,” the result is not security, but widespread terror. From the streets of Lomé to the neighborhoods of Sokodé, these aggressive raids frequently end in brutal beatings. There is no bravery in humiliating a man before his family or assaulting youths in their own backyards; such actions reflect a profound lack of professional discipline rather than strength.

The consequences of institutional silence

When a soldier uses violence against a civilian, it cannot be dismissed as an isolated incident. It suggests a leadership that either condones these actions or uses fear as a primary tool of control.

• Erosion of public trust: Once a citizen is victimized by those in uniform, their faith in the State is fundamentally broken.
• Fueling resentment: By treating the population as an adversary, the army earns hatred instead of respect, planting seeds for future unrest.
• Violation of the law: Beating individuals in their homes is illegal. No Togolese law or military code permits soldiers to assault civilians for intimidation or personal gratification.

Civilians are not enemy combatants

A core issue lies in deploying soldiers for tasks meant for the police. While soldiers are trained for the battlefield, they are often ill-equipped for civil engagement. This confusion turns local neighborhoods into combat zones and treats ordinary neighbors as tactical targets.

“An army that its own people fear is no longer a national protector; it becomes an occupying force within its own borders.”

Restoring the true meaning of military honor

True military honor is found in upholding the law and protecting every citizen of Togo, regardless of their political stance, not in displays of force against the defenseless. To bridge the growing divide between the people and the military, the culture of impunity must end. Stability in Togo will not be achieved through violence, but through the consistent application of justice and mutual respect.

By Mariama Hamani — Analyst