Togo: French Journalists Face False Declarations Charges

• Togolese authorities announced on August 22, 2026, that three film crew members, including two French nationals, face "false declarations" charges.
• The crew, working for Tony Comiti Productions, was detained at Matchatom market and transferred to Lomé on August 4, 2026.
• Authorities allege their June 19, 2026, filming permit did not cover all visited locations, including Mango, Guérin-Kouka, and Matchatom.
• The charges also stem from the undeclared use of a drone and travel through sensitive areas with active security measures.
• A formal investigation found "serious and consistent evidence" supporting the prosecution for false declarations.

Lawyers advising media entities on operations in Togo must therefore stress the imperative of strict adherence to local permitting requirements.

Togolese authorities on Saturday, August 22, 2026, released further information regarding the detention of three film crew members, two of whom are French nationals. The individuals, who were working on the documentary "Les Routes de l’impossible" for French company Tony Comiti Productions, are facing charges of "false declarations." Their apprehension occurred several weeks prior to this official announcement at the Matchatom market, situated within Binah Prefecture.

Following their initial detention, the three crew members, along with their equipment, were transferred to Lomé on August 4 by the Kara Research and Investigation Brigade. Subsequently, they were handed over to the Central Directorate of the Judicial Police (DCPJ). The DCPJ then referred the case to judicial authorities, leading to the initiation of a formal investigation. This inquiry uncovered what authorities described as "serious and consistent evidence," which supports the prosecution for false declarations, an offense under Togolese law. These developments underscore the stringent enforcement of media regulations in Togo, particularly concerning foreign journalists and film crews.

The charges against the French journalists and their colleague stem from alleged violations of their filming permit and undeclared activities. Authorities stated that while the crew possessed an authorization issued on June 19, 2026, by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts, this permit did not encompass all the locations where filming reportedly took place. Specifically, investigations revealed that the documentary team had conducted filming in Mango, Guérin-Kouka, and Matchatom, none of which were covered by the original authorization.

Furthermore, the Togolese government cited the unauthorized use of a drone. The specifications for this equipment had not been declared in advance, representing another breach of the permit conditions. Compounding these issues, the crew reportedly traveled through areas designated as sensitive, where emergency security measures remain actively enforced. These specific omissions and actions form the basis of the "false declarations" charges, highlighting the critical importance of meticulous adherence to local media law compliance and permit stipulations for any foreign production operating within the country.

This incident carries significant implications for media companies and individuals planning documentary filming in Togo, particularly those involved in sensitive or investigative journalism. The prosecution of the Tony Comiti Productions crew for "false declarations" serves as a stark reminder that all necessary authorizations must meticulously cover every intended location and piece of equipment, especially specialized tools like drones. The case emphasizes that even with a valid permit, deviations from its explicit terms, such as filming in unapproved areas or using undeclared technology, can lead to serious legal consequences, including detention and formal charges.

Lawyers advising media entities on operations in Togo must therefore stress the imperative of strict adherence to local permitting requirements. This includes not only obtaining initial permits but also ensuring that these documents are comprehensive and accurately reflect all planned activities, locations, and equipment. The authorities' focus on "sensitive areas" and undeclared drone use underscores the need for heightened vigilance and thorough pre-production planning to navigate Togo's regulatory landscape and prevent similar charges of journalist filming permit violation.

Lawyers advising media companies or individuals planning documentary filming in Togo must meticulously verify that all necessary authorizations cover every location and piece of equipment, particularly drones, to prevent charges of 'false declarations' and potential detention. This case highlights the critical need for strict adherence to local permitting requirements, especially in areas deemed sensitive by authorities.

Source: Original reporting via official statements