In Togo, a military appeal court is currently addressing the case of Colonel Bitala Madjoulba, who was fatally shot in May 2020 shortly after the inauguration of President Faure Gnassingbé. The prosecutor has requested sentences between 3 and 50 years for seven individuals implicated in the Colonel's death, a significant escalation from the original trial where the sentences were deemed too lenient by the state. This appeal follows a trial in which two of the defendants were acquitted while the other five received varying prison sentences from 5 to 20 years for their roles in the crime.

The case has drawn considerable attention due to the high-profile nature of the victim and the circumstances surrounding his murder within a military context. The Colonel led the first rapid intervention battalion and was seen as a key figure in Togo's security apparatus. His assassination raised serious concerns about military discipline, possible internal conflicts, and justice within the armed forces. The government’s decision to appeal the initial verdict reflects a broader effort to ensure accountability and is indicative of tensions within Togo's military establishment.

As the courts deliberate, both the prosecution and defense are articulating strong positions, with the defense alleging procedural flaws and insufficient evidence in the initial proceedings. The outcome of this appeal not only bears significant implications for those accused but also for the public perception of military justice in Togo, and it may influence future military and political dynamics in the country as it grapples with issues of governance and security in a complex environment.