Togolese Military banned from gambling and illegal investment schemes

General Dimini Allahare, the new Chief of Staff of the Togolese Armed Forces (FAT), has issued a strict ban on military personnel engaging in games of chance and joining illegal money investment companies. The decision, announced on June 7, 2024, aims to prevent soldiers from participating in activities that compromise the military's reputation and negatively impact troop morale. Offending soldiers will face severe sanctions in accordance with the regulations in force.

The ban follows observations that several soldiers were indulging in games of chance and investing their pay or bonuses in illegal trading companies, seeking to make profits. This behavior dishonors the military function and negatively affects the morale of the troops.

To enforce this ban, General Allahare has instructed the army chiefs of staff, the director general of the national gendarmerie, the heads of joint services, the heads of military formations, and the general director of the military savings and credit cooperative (COMEC) to ensure the execution of this memo.

It is worth noting that Togo permits various forms of gambling, including casino gambling, sports betting, lottery, and bingo, with lottery being the most popular and dominant source of the country's gambling revenue.