Togo: Attack in Kpendjal Prefecture, Savanes Region, Feb. 10.

Event

Unidentified assailants attacked the localities of Tola and Gningou in the Kpendjal Prefecture, Savanes Region, at around 02:00 Feb. 10. Authorities have yet to confirm the attack and provide an exact casualty toll; reports indicate that up to 31 civilians were killed. Security forces reportedly killed several attackers during an operation in the aftermath of the attack. There have been no claims of responsibility for the attack.

Context

On Sept. 6, the National Assembly extended the state of security emergency in the northern Savanes Region bordering Burkina Faso through at least March 2023. Authorities initially implemented the measure in June, citing the attacks targeting security personnel in the region, including Kpendjal Prefecture May 2022 and November 2021.

While the assailants' identity remains unclear, in recent years, there has been an uptick in attacks attributed to Islamist militants in northern areas of regional states, including Togo, Cote d’Ivoire, and Benin. Ghana also issued a terrorist threat warning in May, citing security conditions in the region and recent attacks against neighboring countries, and concluded that there was reason to believe that Ghana was being targeted. Further violence is possible.

Advice

Exercise a high level of personal security awareness and caution in the Savanes Region. Remain courteous and cooperative if approached and questioned by security personnel. Do not discuss plans and routes publicly. Maintain contact with diplomatic representations.