Togo bolsters security forces with 719 new gendarmes
The Togolese National Gendarmerie has strengthened its ranks with the official induction of 719 new officers during a swearing-in ceremony at the Lomé High Court. The event was attended by the Republic’s prosecutor and numerous civil and military authorities.
The recruits, from the 2023 class, took a solemn oath to “obey and respect the chain of command” and to “use force only to maintain order and enforce the law.”
This commitment comes at a critical time as Togo, like much of West Africa, faces complex security challenges requiring heightened vigilance and professionalism.
Prior to their induction, the new gendarmes underwent rigorous training at the National Instruction Center (CNI) in Kara and the National Gendarmerie School in Lomé, earning the essential Certificate of Aptitude for Gendarmerie (CAG).
As a key component of Togolese Armed Forces (FAT), the Gendarmerie performs diverse duties including public order maintenance, territorial defense, and administrative, judicial, and military police functions.
This significant reinforcement of personnel enhances the institution’s operational capacity to address the nation’s evolving security needs.
The ceremony marks an important step in Togo’s ongoing efforts to modernize and professionalize its security forces amid regional instability.
Kodjovi Makafui
