In Togo, the defense has argued for the acquittal of defendants in the appeal trial concerning the 2020 murder of Colonel Bitala Madjoulba, while the prosecution seeks long prison sentences.
In Togo, the ongoing appeal trial regarding the death of Colonel Bitala Madjoulba, who was found shot in the neck shortly after the inauguration of President Faure Gnassingbé in May 2020, is drawing significant attention. The defense presented its arguments on Thursday, asserting that the case against the defendants is 'empty' and that there is insufficient evidence to warrant a conviction. The final decision on the appeal is anticipated on February 27, 2026, adding to the high-stakes environment surrounding the trial.
During the preceding court session, the public prosecutor recommended sentences of up to 50 years in prison for the charges of assassination, obstruction of justice, and conspiracy against state security. This follows an initial trial in 2023, where sentences ranging from 5 to 20 years were handed down to five individuals, while two were acquitted. The prosecution's calls for severe penalties highlight the gravity of the case and its implications for Togo's legal and political landscape.
The death of Colonel Madjoulba, a significant figure within Togo's military establishment, raises critical questions about the conduct of justice in the country, particularly regarding the treatment of high-profile cases. With political undertones evident in the trial, observers are keenly watching the proceedings to assess their impact on both judicial integrity and political stability in Togo as the nation grapples with its past and looks toward the future.
