Togolese authorities have charged two French journalists, Gaël Mocaër and Sebastian Perez Pezzani, with 'false declarations'. This action occurred despite the journalists possessing correct work visas and filming authorisations. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) confirmed these charges, stating the pair had been in detention since July 27.
The journalists were filming a documentary in Kara, northern Togo, for France Télévisions when arrested. RSF stated they were in 'full compliance with the administrative regulations in force'. A third individual, their Togolese fixer Fred Vedomey, has also been detained. RSF expressed alarm over the situation, which has lasted over 20 days, calling the proceedings 'unjustified and disproportionate'.
This incident fits into a broader pattern of press freedom concerns in Togo. The country ranks 97th out of 180 nations on RSF's press freedom index. In June 2025, French broadcasters France 24 and RFI faced three-month suspensions for allegedly spreading 'inaccurate and biased' information. In 2024, French journalist Thomas Dietrich was arrested and expelled while covering electoral campaigning. These events highlight ongoing challenges for media professionals operating in Togo.
RSF Director General Thibaut Bruttin condemned the charges, stating the organisation was 'alarmed by a situation that has now lasted for more than 20 days'. He called for the immediate release of the French media professionals. The families of Mocaër and Pezzani also issued a joint statement, expressing their anguish and hoping for a 'swift resolution'.
The detention carries significant implications for international relations and press freedom advocacy. There are suggestions the journalists are being held as bargaining chips for an exchange with France. Some local reports link their detention to Ferdinand Ayité, a Togolese investigative journalist living in exile in France. Ayité was arrested in Togo in 2021 before leaving the country. This situation could pressure French authorities to engage in negotiations, potentially setting a concerning precedent for journalist safety. International media organisations will closely monitor the legal proceedings and the journalists' welfare.
Togo has faced consistent criticism for clamping down on free speech and political dissent. President Faure Gnassingbé has held office since 2005, succeeding his father. His re-elections in 2010, 2015, and 2020 have been contested by opposition parties due to alleged widespread fraud. The country, which gained independence from France in 1960, has also been criticised for corruption. This latest incident further intensifies scrutiny on Togo's human rights record and its treatment of journalists.
The French foreign ministry confirmed the detention and stated officials visited the pair three times. They are monitoring the journalists' treatment and access to legal representation. Tony Comiti Productions, the company producing the documentary, described Mocaër and Pezzani as 'seasoned, experienced professionals'. They emphasised the filmmakers' commitment to documenting daily lives 'with no political purpose'.
The ongoing detention and charges underscore the risks journalists face when reporting in politically sensitive environments. It also highlights the complex interplay between national sovereignty, international media freedom, and diplomatic relations. The international community will watch for any developments in this case, particularly regarding the suggested exchange for the exiled journalist. This situation could influence how foreign journalists approach reporting in Togo and other West African nations.