The soldier’s role is to protect, not to intimidate
In Togo, the image of the soldier as a guardian of peace is frequently overshadowed by a harsh truth: military personnel entering private homes to assault unarmed citizens. This betrayal of trust turns the sanctity of one’s home into a scene of fear rather than safety.
Homes under siege: no place is safe
The very place where people should feel most secure—their homes—has become a battleground. Soldiers, often without warrants, force their way into residences under the guise of “teaching a lesson.” Whether in Lomé, Sokodé, or other cities, these violent intrusions escalate into public beatings. Humiliating a man in front of his family or assaulting youths in their courtyards serves no purpose other than to instill dread. These acts are not demonstrations of strength; they expose a complete absence of discipline and professionalism in the armed forces.
Leadership’s complicity fuels the crisis
When military personnel abuse civilians, it’s not an isolated incident—it’s a reflection of systemic tolerance or deliberate intimidation tactics being used as a command tool. The consequences are far-reaching:
- Erosion of public trust: Once a citizen is beaten by those sworn to protect them, faith in the government crumbles.
- Rising resentment: Treating the population as the enemy does not command respect; it breeds hatred and fuels unrest.
- Legal violations: Home invasions and beatings are illegal under Togolese law. No military regulation or civilian statute permits such brutality.
Soldiers are trained for defense, not domestic policing
The root of the problem lies in deploying soldiers for police duties they are not equipped to handle. Trained for combat, soldiers often misinterpret civilian environments as hostile zones, turning neighborhoods into battlegrounds and neighbors into targets. This confusion only deepens societal divisions and sows seeds of dissent.
“An army that instills fear is not a national force—it is an occupying power on its own soil.”
Restoring honor through accountability
The true honor of a soldier lies not in demonstrating power over the defenseless, but in upholding the law and safeguarding every citizen—regardless of opinion or background. For Togo to move forward, impunity must end. When soldiers act as bullies instead of protectors, the divide between the people and the military widens. Stability in Togo does not come from violence; it comes from justice, respect, and the restoration of trust between the armed forces and the population.
