Togo Detains Two French Journalists Over Alleged False Declarations

Sun Sep 06 2026 02:40:19 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Two French filmmakers were charged in Togo despite holding proper visas, raising fresh concerns over press freedom. The case sparks speculation about diplomatic bargaining and highlights Togo’s growing crackdown on journalists.

Togo authorities have charged French documentary makers Gaël Mocaër and Sebastian Pezzani with "false declarations" after their 27‑July arrest in Kara, northern Togo. The journalists, working for France Télévisions, possessed valid work visas and authorisations yet were detained in a pre‑trial facility near Lomé, with one suffering serious health issues. Reporters Without Borders calls the detention unjustified, while a third, Fred Vedomey, a local fixer, has also been detained. The incident follows a pattern of Togo tightening control over foreign media, raising doubts about the possibility of using the men as leverage in diplomatic negotiations involving a Togolese journalist in exile. The nation ranks 97th out of 180 on RSF’s press‑freedom index, underscoring growing concerns over freedom of expression.

Togo has charged two French journalists with "false declarations" after their arrest in Kara last month, despite them holding the proper work visas and authorisations.

Gaël Mocaër and Sebastian Pezzani—filmmakers for France Télévisions—were detained on 27 July while recording a documentary about life in the northern region.

France’s foreign ministry confirmed that two nationals were being held but stopped short of giving detail, and Togolese authorities have yet to issue a comment.

Togo’s curtailment of free speech has intensified in recent years: several foreign journalists and media workers have been detained or expelled, and the country’s freedom‑of‑press rating slid to 97th on the Reporters Without Borders index.

RSF has suggested that the two filmmakers might be used as bargaining chips in a potential exchange with France, a practice alleged by other countries but denied by both French and Togolese officials.

The men are in pre‑trial detention at a “law‑enforcement facility” near the capital, Lomé. Reports say Pezzani is suffering from serious health problems that require urgent medical care.

Additionally, the journalists’ Togolese fixer, Fred Vedomey, has been detained.

Thibaut Bruttin, director‑general of Reporters Without Borders, said the organization was “alarmed by a situation that has now lasted for more than 20 days” and called for the rapid release of the French media professionals.

Their families, in a joint statement, expressed their hope for a quick resolution and highlighted the daily uncertainty and anguish that weigh heavily on them.

Both men are seasoned documentary makers committed to portraying everyday life with no political agenda, as noted by their production company.

Some local reports link the detention to a Togolese journalist, Ferdinand Ayité, who is in exile in France and whom the Togolese president reportedly wants back in the country. No official indication has confirmed this theory.

Press freedom concerns are compounded by recent sanctions on French broadcasters such as France 24 and RFI, suspended for three months in 2025 for allegedly spreading biased information during anti‑government protests, and the expulsion of French journalist Thomas Dietrich last year.