Togo: Three Media Organizations Denounce a Series of Intimidations Against Journalists

Three professional media organizations in Togo — the Truth Reporting Post (TRP), the International Union of Francophone Press (UPF-Togo), and the National Union of Journalists of Togo (SYNJIT) — sounded the alarm on Monday over a series of intrusions, targeted thefts, and suspicious surveillance actions directed at journalists in different parts of the country.

In a joint statement, the three groups condemned “acts and behaviors that undermine press freedom in Togo,” affecting “the physical and digital integrity of several actors in the local private press.” They noted that these incidents come at a time when the media sector is already facing economic strain, worsened by the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Three events illustrate their concerns. On October 18 in Lomé, Anani Galley, editor of La Lettre Agricole and head of investigations at TRP, was approached in an unusual manner by someone presenting himself as a “Togolese officer.” According to the statement, the man “entered our colleague’s office in a suspicious and unexpected way,” claiming he was conducting an investigation on an alleged criminal, before leaving the area on a motorcycle.

On November 14 in Dapaong, in the far north, journalist Robert Douti noticed “suspicious behavior from a gendarme” around his office. After briefly locking eyes with him, the soldier “vanished into thin air,” the statement said.

Lastly, on November 22 in Lomé, Edem Gadegbeku, TRP’s communications officer and president of UPF-Togo, was the victim of a targeted theft. The rear window of his vehicle was “carefully and literally shattered,” and only his bag — containing a laptop, USB drives, and administrative documents — was taken. Other personal items, left within easy reach, were untouched, suggesting the operation was intentional. “A simple theft, or the result of surveillance?” the organizations asked.

For the three groups, the accumulation of these incidents “raises serious questions” and points to a troubling rise in intimidation against journalists. They reaffirmed their solidarity with their colleagues and stressed that “any attempt to hinder press freedom in a state governed by the rule of law must be condemned.” They also urged Togolese authorities to “strengthen the physical and digital security protection” of media professionals to ensure a safe environment for journalism and respect for fundamental rights.

The organizations added that they are closely monitoring the progress of official investigations opened into each of these incidents. As of Monday, there had been no immediate reaction from the authorities.

Godfrey A