Togo: Heightened security likely in northern country following militant incursion near Mandouri, Savanes Region Feb. 19

Event

Security officials announced Feb. 24 that suspected terrorists had launched an incursion in the country's north overnight Feb. 19. The militants reportedly entered the Lalabiga locality near Mandouri, Kpendjal Prefecture of the Savanes Region, and ordered residents to leave the area by Feb. 21. As a result, additional security forces have been deployed in the area, while authorities have asked residents to remain vigilant. Officials did not provide further details regarding the identity and motives of the militants.

Mandouri is located 16 (10 miles) south of Burkina Faso and 8 km (5 miles) west of Benin.

Authorities will likely maintain an elevated security posture in the area over the coming days and weeks. Officials could implement movement restrictive measures in the area. Further security incidents remain possible.

Context

The incursion follows an attack targeting a security post in the village of Sanloaga in Kpendjal Prefecture during the night of Nov. 9-10. Authorities announced that the attackers may have been militants from Burkina Faso; no casualties were reported.

Togo has largely avoided spillover of militant activity from neighboring Burkina Faso in recent years. However, as groups aligned with Al-Qaeda and Islamic State (IS) continue to make gains in Burkina Faso and elsewhere, further militant encroachment southward into coastal West Africa, including Togo, Cote d'Ivoire, and Ghana, remains possible.

Advice

Liaise with trusted contacts before traveling in northern Togo. Exercise heightened vigilance in the area. Confirm the status of routes before travel. Avoid travel at night and concentrations of security personnel. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation.