AGP Executive Report

Togo-French Filmmakers Case: Togo’s Security and Justice ministries say they have “serious and consistent evidence” against detained French directors Gaël Mocaër and Sebastian Perez Pezzani, and their Togolese fixer Fred Vedomey, arrested July 27 while filming in northern Togo; authorities cite alleged drone use in sensitive areas and permit irregularities, while lawyers deny wrongdoing and Reporters Without Borders and CPJ renew calls for their release. DR Congo Peace Talks (Doha Track): In Switzerland, the DRC and AFC/M23 agreed a sequenced roadmap under the Doha Framework, including operationalising EJVM+ and setting a first ceasefire verification mission in Minembwe on Aug. 24, with Togo listed as AU mediator. US Visa Ruling (Impact on Togo): A US judge struck down Trump’s immigrant visa suspension affecting 75 countries, including Togo, saying the policy was unlawful and exceeded the State Department’s authority. Climate & Oceans (Togo): Lomé hosted workshops to shape Togo’s position ahead of the Jan 2027 UN BBNJ conference, and launched three tools to boost private-sector climate investment. Sports (Togo-linked): Etoile Filante de Lomé is set to face Aduana FC in Ghana’s Nsenkyire Cup, as clubs continue pre-season preparations.

Togo–Media Rights: The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) urged Togolese authorities to drop charges and release French journalists Sebastian Perez Pezzani and Gaël Mocaër, plus their Togolese fixer Komi Mawufemo Vedomey, after 26 days in detention following arrests in northern Togo; an investigative judge provisionally released Pezzani for medical reasons but ordered his passport confiscated. Maritime Security: New reports say Somali piracy is surging again, with two separate hijackings off Yemen and Somalia—an Eritrea-flagged tanker carrying 16 Indians in the Gulf of Aden and a Cameroon-flagged cargo ship seized off Puntland—raising fresh Horn of Africa risk. Climate & Private Sector in Togo: Lomé launched three tools to boost private investment in climate action: a digital climate info/investment platform, a green/climate financing booklet, and a communications plan, under the NAP Readiness project. Sports (Regional): Zambia’s AFCON qualifiers camp includes matches vs Algeria and Togo, while Nigeria’s Edo Queens arrived in Ouagadougou for WAFU-B Women’s Champions League qualifiers.

ECOWAS–AES Rapprochement: Ghana’s FM Samuel Ablakwa and Russia’s Lavrov agreed on steps to normalize ties between ECOWAS and the Alliance of Sahel States, with security and counterterrorism in the Sahel front and center. Press Freedom Under Strain: CPJ and RSF renewed calls for the release of two French journalists, Gaël Mocaër and Sebastian Perez Pezzani, and their Togolese fixer, after they were detained in Togo for filming in northern Kara; one was provisionally released for medical reasons but charges and passport issues remain. Security Leadership Shake-up: Togo carried out a major reshuffle in the armed forces and intelligence, appointing Colonel Tchakpélé Aklésso as Chief of the General Staff and naming new chiefs across the army, air force, and aviation structures. Climate & Oceans Focus: Togo launched three tools to boost private-sector climate investment and held workshops to shape its position ahead of the first BBNJ conference in 2027. Economy Watch: INSEED says Togo’s annual inflation rose to 0.3% in July 2026, driven mainly by energy, transport, and fresh food prices.

Climate & Private Sector: Togo launched three tools in Lomé to boost private-sector participation in climate investment: a digital climate information and funding platform, a Green & Climate business booklet, and a communications plan—part of the NAP Readiness project supported by the Green Climate Fund and FAO. Marine Conservation: Workshops in Lomé (Aug 20–27) are helping agencies, coastal authorities, civil society and media shape Togo’s position ahead of the first BBNJ Agreement conference of parties in Jan 2027, as Togo moves toward ratification. Security & Governance: Togo carried out a major reshuffle in the armed forces and intelligence leadership, appointing Colonel Tchakpélé Aklésso as Chief of the General Staff and naming new chiefs across the army, air force and key aviation and intelligence posts. Press Freedom Clash: Reporters Without Borders renewed calls for the release of two French documentary filmmakers and their Togolese fixer detained in Togo, saying they were charged over “false declarations” despite work visas and filming permits. Economy Watch: Togo’s average annual inflation rose to 0.3% in July 2026 (from 0.1% in June), driven mainly by higher energy, transport and housing-related prices. Regional Trade & Ports: Ghana’s Tema Port reported strong 2025 container growth, edging past Lomé and widening its lead over Abidjan as Gulf of Guinea hubs compete.

Press Freedom Under Strain: RSF is renewing calls for the release of two French journalists, Gaël Mocaër and Sébastien Perez Pezzani, and their Togolese fixer Fred Vedomey, jailed in Togo since July 27 and charged with “false declarations” despite work visas and filming permits. Security Shake-Up: Togo has carried out a major reshuffle in its armed forces and intelligence leadership, appointing Colonel Tchakpélé Aklésso as Chief of the General Staff and changing top roles across the army, air force, aviation and the National Intelligence Agency. Economy Watch: Togo’s inflation edged up to 0.3% in July 2026 (from 0.1% in June), with monthly prices rising 0.5%, driven mainly by energy, transport and housing costs. Jobs & Youth: CNP-Togo and the Mastercard Foundation are launching 500 year-long internships to help young people enter work and give companies a ready talent pool. Regional Spotlight: Morocco is set to host multiple African teams’ AFCON qualifier home matches in September due to CAF stadium approval gaps, including Togo.

Inflation Watch: Togo’s annual inflation edged up to 0.3% in July 2026 (from 0.1% in June) as prices rose 0.5% month-on-month, with energy, transport, and housing among the main drivers. Press Freedom Clash: Two French documentary filmmakers, Gaël Mocaër and Sébastien Perez Pezzani, plus their Togolese fixer Fred Vedomey, were placed in pre-trial detention in Togo on “false declarations” charges, drawing calls from RSF and France for their release. Jobs & Youth: CNP-Togo, with Mastercard Foundation support, is offering 500 year-long internships for young job seekers, paying 125,000 CFA francs monthly. Planning for Growth: Togo’s National Spatial Development Plan campaign reached Greater Lomé, aiming to guide territorial development up to 2045 and reduce regional gaps. Health Support: In Yoto, families received malaria prevention kits including nets, coils, and repellents. Regional Sports: Morocco will host AFCON 2027 qualifier home matches for nine teams lacking CAF-approved stadiums, including Togo.

World Bank Income Reclassification: Togo has been moved up in the World Bank’s global income rankings, shifting from low income to lower-middle income effective 1 July 2026, mainly because a revised population estimate lowered the GNI-per-capita denominator. Territorial Planning Push: The Ministry of Territorial Development and Urban Planning has taken the National Spatial Development Plan (SNAT) campaign to Greater Lomé, aiming to cut regional disparities and guide development through 2045. Jobs for Youth: CNP-Togo, with Mastercard Foundation support, is launching 500 year-long internships under “TALENT2AFRICA,” paying 125,000 CFA monthly to help young people gain work experience while firms access ready candidates. Media Freedom in Togo: RSF is calling for the immediate release of French filmmakers Gaël Mocaër and Sebastian Perez Pezzani and their Togolese fixer Fred Vedomey, held in pre-trial detention near Lomé. Drug Enforcement: Police in Ghana’s Upper East Region seized 500 cartons of assorted Tramadol in Widana and arrested a suspect, with alleged trafficking links spanning Mali, Togo, Burkina Faso and Senegal. Regional Security Diplomacy: Ghana and Russia’s foreign ministers discussed normalising relations between the AES and ECOWAS, focusing on security and counterterrorism in the Sahel.

Cement Probe: Nigeria’s FCCPC says a three-month, cross-border study found possible manipulation of cement prices and has issued summonses to major firms after retail prices reportedly jumped from about ₦9,300–₦9,700 in January to as high as ₦13,000–₦15,000 by July, despite excess production capacity; it compared Nigeria with Kenya, Tanzania and even Togo. Drug Enforcement: Police in Ghana’s Widana (near the Togo border) seized about 500 cartons of assorted Tramadol and arrested a suspect, with claims that traffickers use the area as a transit and distribution hub. Togo-France Links: Two French nationals have been held in Togo since July 27, with Paris saying they’re under judicial investigation. Health Access: Brukinsa (CLL drug) access programmes have been extended to 2028, with possible expansion that includes Togo depending on readiness. Culture & Standards: Lomé hosted an awareness session on national agri-food standards and certification, while Agortime communities renewed calls to preserve traditional Kente weaving.

Cement Probe in Nigeria: Nigeria’s FCCPC says its preliminary review of the cement market points to possible price manipulation, after a three-month cross-border study comparing Nigeria with Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Egypt, Morocco, Algeria and Togo; it says a 50kg bag that cost ₦9,300–₦9,700 in January rose to ₦10,500–₦13,000 mid-year and hit ₦13,000–₦15,000 in some areas, despite reported excess production capacity. Togo Quality Standards Push: In Lomé, HAUQE and partners held an awareness session to help agri-food producers and processors understand national standards and certification, covering 46 standards and 31 certification programs since 2024. Health Access Update: A global Brukinsa access program for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) has been extended to 2028, aiming to reach about 1,000 patients, with possible expansion that includes Togo depending on readiness. Sports (WAFU B): Ampem Darkoa Ladies were drawn in Group B of the WAFU B Women’s Champions League qualifiers against ASEC Mimosas, Edo Queens and AS Garde Nationale. Border Tragedy: A 20-year-old man drowned while helping travellers cross the Ghana–Togo border river at Tambalug; searches continue.

Border Tragedy: A 20-year-old man, Kombat Yaw Yiremiah, drowned while helping travellers cross the Ghana–Togo river at Tambalug in Ghana’s Tempane District; NADMO teams are still searching and say recovery is difficult. ECOWAS Cross-Border Push: Ketu North’s MCE Reverend Martin Amenaki praised ECOWAS for stakeholder talks at the Akanu-Noepe border, urging sustained public education so communities understand and follow the free movement protocol. Regional Trade & Food Resilience: Togo published results from the first phase of the SCORECARD under the West Africa Food System Resilience Program, reviewing weak indicators and progress with World Bank-backed support. Finance for SMEs: EBID received a Moody’s upgrade, moving closer to investment-grade status, while Veefin and NSIA Group announced a supply chain finance partnership across Togo and four other West African markets. Cement Price Alarm (Nigeria): FCCPC flagged possible manipulation of cement prices in Nigeria after a cross-border study that included Togo, comparing production capacity and retail prices. Maritime Security: A Russian strike damaged a civilian vessel flying the Togo flag in Ukraine’s Odesa region, injuring four people.

ECOWAS Tourism Push: COPITOUR met in Abuja with ECOWAS officials, tourism agencies and private-sector leaders from across West Africa, including Togo, to strengthen regional business links and use tourism to drive jobs, investment and peace. Agriculture Trade Tracking: Togo reviewed the first SCORECARD results under the West Africa Food System Resilience Program (FSRP) in Tsévié, focusing on weak indicators and next steps to improve agricultural trade and market performance. Mental Health Access: UNK’s counseling initiative is offering free, confidential support to community members through a graduate practicum model. Lomé Digital Economy Spotlight: A new feature highlights how Togo’s shift from motorcycle taxis to digital financial services is reshaping payments and commerce. Ukraine–Russia Port Impacts (Togo link): Russian strikes hit Ukraine’s Odesa region ports again, damaging a civilian vessel flying the Togo flag and injuring four people. Regional Mobility: Coverage notes how visa changes are making West Africa travel easier, including Togo’s visa-free stay for up to 30 days for African nationals. Border Tragedy: A 20-year-old drowned while crossing the Ghana–Togo border river in Tempane during heavy rains, renewing calls for safer crossing options.

Ukraine-Russia War & Maritime Safety: Russian overnight strikes hit Ukraine’s Odesa region ports again, damaging a civilian vessel flying the flag of the Republic of Togo and injuring four people (three hospitalized, one in serious condition), as fires were extinguished. Regional Trade & Borders: ECOWAS officials and border stakeholders met at the Ghana–Togo border to push sustained implementation of the free movement protocol, with calls for public education to reduce delays and boost cross-border trade. Togo’s Digital Economy: A closer look at Lomé’s fintech growth shows how Gozem evolved from motorcycle taxis into payments, transfers, bill payments and money management—part of a wider push toward a more connected regional digital economy. Culture & Youth: Agortime’s 31st Kente Festival in Ghana (with neighboring Togo ties) renewed calls to preserve traditional weaving while creating sustainable youth livelihoods. Sports (Togo-linked): Togo’s Vincentia Enyonam Amedome was named fourth official for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final in Morocco.

Cultural Heritage & Youth Jobs: Agortime in Volta Region marked its 31st Kente Festival, urging protection of authentic weaving and support for young people with sustainable income as cheaper imitations rise. Fashion & Skills: Accra Technical University students (366) showcased “Wear Your Culture: Tradition Meets Modernity,” blending African fabrics with modern designs and pushing fashion as a viable youth business. ECOWAS Border Trade: At the Noépé-Akanu border between Togo and Ghana, ECOWAS and local leaders urged better public education and sustained dialogue to cut delays and improve the free movement protocol for traders and travelers. Women & Children Safety: Mohila Parishad says women and children are “not fully safe anywhere,” citing 1,667 violence victims (Jan–Jul) including 292 rapes, and calls for shared responsibility from government to communities. Diplomacy: Switzerland appointed Dr Thomas Oertle as Ambassador-designate to Ghana, Benin and Togo, signaling renewed cooperation on governance, trade, climate and peace. Sports Officiating: Togo’s Vincentia Enyonam Amedome named fourth official for the WAfCON 2026 final in Rabat, with VAR led by Tunisia’s Dorsaf Ganouati.

Diplomacy & Regional Security: Togo is named as mediator in Geneva as the DRC and Rwanda agree on new steps to strengthen monitoring of the Washington Accords, including proposals for improved verification and a trilateral planning conference in October. Cross-Border Trade: ECOWAS held a stakeholder dialogue at the Noépé-Akanu border on reducing delays along the Abidjan-Lagos corridor, with calls to better use tools like biometric IDs and SIGMAT and to keep public education on the free movement protocol going. Law & Order: Nigeria’s police, via INTERPOL, arrested and repatriated a Chadian murder suspect to N’Djamena through Lomé, Togo, under bilateral cooperation. Environment & Investment: Togo adopted a new law on protected areas, setting rules for conservation, community rights, compensation and financing, as the country pushes its green economy. Sports (Togo role): Togo’s Vincentia Enyonam is listed as fourth official for the WAfCON 2026 final in Rabat between Cameroon and Malawi. Finance (Togo link): Ecobank’s regional executive visited Malawi and said the tour strengthened regional alignment; Ecobank Malawi is a Lomé, Togo-headquartered subsidiary. International Appointments: Switzerland appointed Dr Thomas Oertle as ambassador-designate to Ghana, Benin and Togo.

Harakati Integration Drive: Delegates from universities across 17 African countries met in Accra to push “Economic Restructuring, Political Reforms and Integration,” arguing for collapsing physical borders and cutting trade barriers to boost intra-Africa trade. Regional Security Talks: In Geneva, the DRC and Rwanda agreed on new steps to strengthen monitoring and verification under the Washington Accords, with Togo and the AU backing the process through the Joint Security Coordination Mechanism. Cross-Border Policing: Nigeria’s police, via INTERPOL, arrested Chadian murder suspect Mahadijiria Abdoulaye in Kano and repatriated her to N’Djamena through Lomé, Togo, to face trial over the alleged torture and killing of Nazik Mahamat Saleh. Diplomacy in the Region: Switzerland appointed Dr Thomas Oertle as Ambassador-designate to Ghana, Benin and Togo, signaling renewed cooperation on governance, trade, climate action and peace. ECOWAS Border Movement: ECOWAS held dialogue at the Noépé-Akanu border post to reduce delays on the Abidjan–Lagos corridor and improve services for traders and travelers under the free movement protocol. Green Investment Rules: Togo adopted a new law on protected areas, setting clearer conservation rules, community rights and financing to support its green economy.

DRC–Rwanda Peace Talks: Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo agreed in Geneva to strengthen monitoring and verification under the Washington Accords, with the U.S. asked to review proposals and a trilateral planning meeting set for October 2026. Cross-Border Trade Push (Togo–Ghana): ECOWAS held a regional dialogue at the Noépé-Akanu border post to cut delays on the Abidjan–Lagos corridor, tackle harassment and information gaps, and improve border services for traders and travelers. Protected Areas Law: Togo adopted new rules for protected areas to clarify conservation, community rights, compensation and financing, as the country seeks more green investment. Swiss Diplomatic Appointment: Switzerland named Dr Thomas Oertle as Ambassador-designate to Ghana, Benin and Togo, highlighting his experience in development cooperation and regional diplomacy. Security & Justice Link: Nigeria’s police, via INTERPOL, arrested and repatriated a Chadian murder suspect to N’Djamena through Lomé, Togo, to face trial. Food & Culture: Lomé hosted the opening of Festival La Marmite (FESMA), with China as guest of honor, while Ho launched the Asogli Te Za yam festival ahead of a major durbar in October.