The recent incident involving colleague Roger Amemavoh of Capture Média, who was ‘invited’ by the gendarmerie in Afanyan through a procedure resembling a summons, has revived old demons that many believed—or hoped—were buried. This latest intrusion of security forces into the media sphere is not an isolated incident but a symptom of a deeper malaise: the zeal and paternalism of certain uniformed and armed personnel.
Roger Amemavoh de Capture Média | Capture d’ecran: C.M
A Scenario of Déjà Vu
History is repeating itself in Afanyan. A few years ago, on the airwaves of Radio Mokpokpo, I myself experienced this atmosphere of intimidation. No sooner had I finished my analysis of national socio-political news than the then-Brigade Commander (BC)—whose offices face the radio station—believed himself invested with a divine mission. Playing ‘Zorro’ with the presenter, he displayed a self-importance as unnecessary as it was illegitimate.
Today, with the case of Roger Amemavoh, the question arises with renewed urgency: What is the gendarmerie seeking in the professional exercise of a journalist?
The Mixing of Roles: A Danger to the Rule of Law
The role of the gendarmerie is clear: security, civil protection, and public order. Under no circumstances does it have the legal competence to become a press regulatory body.
- Usurpation of function: When a gendarme interferes in the content of a broadcast or summons a media professional for their opinions, they step outside their mandate.
- Intimidation as a management style: This behaviour reflects an archaic vision where the armed individual considers themselves the owner of the national ‘cornfield’, authorising themselves to poke their nose into every social and political affair.
- Abuse of authority: These ‘rogue sheep’ bring discredit upon the entire uniformed corps, many of whom carry out their duties with exemplary professionalism and strict respect for institutions.
The HAAC Faces Its Responsibilities
Admittedly, the High Authority for Audiovisual and Communication (HAAC) is navigating turbulent waters, between expired mandates and a suspended renewal process. But the institution, even weakened by this apparent illegitimacy, must imperatively react.
It is time for the HAAC to:
- Reaffirm its exclusive authority over media regulation;
- Protect journalists against undue pressure from security forces;
- Call to order those who, through excessive zeal, attempt to muzzle press freedom through threats.
‘Everyone must stay within their mandate.’
Togo cannot be built on intimidation and contempt for the prerogatives of each socio-professional body. If gendarmes must watch over our roads and villages, they must also learn that freedom of expression is not a crime within their jurisdiction. It is imperative to put an end to this security paternalism that stifles democratic debate.
The pen has no orders to receive from the rifle, as long as the law is respected.
Rodrigue Ahégo,
La Voix des Sans Voix
Source Content: Original Report – Togo Actualité