Marguerite Gnakadé: One year since arrest of former Togo Minister

One year after her arrest in Lomé, former Togolese Minister of the Armed Forces Marguerite Gnakadé remains in detention as her legal case continues under investigation. Gnakadé, who was the first woman to lead the country's military, was arrested on September 17, 2025, following her public calls for political change and criticism of the current administration.

She faces several serious charges, including incitement to popular uprising, aggravated disturbance of public order, spreading false news to undermine military morale, and endangering national security. Her lawyer, Elom Kpadé, has criticized the judicial process, noting that she has only been heard once on the merits of the case and that he has not been officially informed of her specific place of detention.

Reports regarding her conditions of confinement indicate significant hardship. Her legal counsel describes her as being held in isolation without access to basic items such as a radio, television, telephone, or writing materials. In July 2026, Gnakadé reportedly launched a hunger strike to protest her treatment and the strict conditions of her imprisonment. Authorities have not yet responded to inquiries regarding her status.