AGP Executive Report

Press Freedom in Focus: Reporters Without Borders is urging Togolese authorities to drop charges and release French documentary filmmakers Gaël Mocaër and Sébastien Perez Pezzani, plus their Togolese fixer Fred Vedomey, detained since July 27 in northern Togo and held in pre-trial custody near Lomé; one filmmaker is reported to need urgent medical attention. Culture & Heritage: Agortime communities mark the 31st Agortime Kente Festival with renewed calls to preserve authentic weaving and protect youth jobs from rising costs and cheap imitations. Arts & Wellbeing: A San Diego-based initiative, Mental Wellness for Artists, expands events and resource fairs for artists’ mental health, including a “Seen & Whole” exhibition running through Aug. 30. Sports (Regional): Nigeria’s Edo Queens arrive in Ouagadougou for the WAFU-B qualifiers, aiming for the CAF Women’s Champions League ticket. Environment & Policy: Lomé hosts workshops on the BBNJ marine biodiversity treaty ahead of the first COP in January 2027.

Press Freedom in Focus: Reporters Without Borders (RSF) is renewing its call for the release of two French documentary filmmakers, Gaël Mocaër and Sebastian Perez Pezzani, and their Togolese fixer, Fred Vedomey, detained in Togo since July 27; CPJ says Pezzani was provisionally released for medical reasons but with his passport confiscated, while Mocaër and Vedomey remain in Lomé pre-trial detention after charges over “false declarations” in immigration procedures. Arts & Culture: Agortime-Ziope’s 31st Agortime Kente Festival in Ghana and neighboring Togo used the spotlight to push for preserving authentic kente weaving and backing youth livelihoods in the craft. Sports (Regional): Nigeria’s Edo Queens arrived in Ouagadougou for the CAF Women’s Champions League WAFU-B qualifiers, with interim coach Kennedy Boboye taking charge as the team prepares for the August 23–September 5 tournament. Local Community Support: In Yoto Prefecture, the ART association delivered malaria prevention kits—nets, coils and repellents—to families in Chechekpo village, plus funds for medicines for those already sick.

Press Freedom Under Pressure: CPJ and RSF renew calls for Togolese authorities to drop charges and release French documentary filmmakers Gaël Mocaër and Sebastian Perez Pezzani, plus their Togolese fixer Komi/Fred Vedomey, after 26 days in detention in Lomé; one filmmaker was provisionally released for medical reasons but with passport confiscation, while the others remain in pre-trial custody. Blue Economy & Conservation: Lomé hosts Aug. 20–27 workshops to shape Togo’s position ahead of the first BBNJ Agreement COP in January 2027, with agencies and media discussing marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction. Regional Diplomacy: A commentary highlights Ghana’s push to normalise ties between ECOWAS and the AES bloc, with Russia and Ghana discussing security and counterterrorism cooperation. Health & Community Support: In Yoto Prefecture, malaria prevention kits—nets, coils, repellents, and medicines—were delivered to families by the ART association for World Humanitarian Day. Culture & Craft: Agortime Kente Festival marks 31st edition with renewed calls to preserve traditional weaving and protect youth livelihoods from cheaper imitations.

Press Freedom in Focus: RSF is renewing calls for the release of French documentary filmmakers Gaël Mocaër and Sebastian Perez Pezzani, plus their Togolese fixer Fred Vedomey, detained in Togo since July 27 and charged with “false declarations” in immigration procedures, with reports of serious health concerns for one filmmaker. Detention Details: France says the pair had work visas and filming authorisation, while Togo’s media regulator says it received no accreditation request—adding fuel to a wider dispute between Lomé and French media. Regional Arts & Culture Angle: Activists behind the AU-backed “Correct the Map” campaign are pushing for more accurate world maps after a high-profile mislabeling of Africa, arguing it reflects long-running Western misperceptions. Community Health (Local): In Yoto Prefecture, families received malaria prevention kits—nets, coils and repellents—plus support for residents already affected, as part of a World Humanitarian Day initiative. Sports (Cross-border): Nigeria’s Edo Queens FC depart for Burkina Faso for the CAF Champions League preliminary, aiming to represent Nigeria and Edo State with pride.

Press Freedom Under Pressure: Reporters Without Borders says Togo has charged French documentary filmmakers Gaël Mocaër and Sebastian Perez Pezzani—plus their Togolese fixer Fred Vedomey—with “false declarations” despite work visas and filming permits, and they remain in pre-trial detention near Lomé; RSF also warns one filmmaker needs urgent medical care. Court Update: An Accra court in Ghana remanded a man over an alleged Labone bank robbery attempt, with prosecutors saying the case links suspects across multiple cities and even alleged activity in Togo and Côte d’Ivoire. Health & Community Aid: In Yoto Prefecture, a local association delivered malaria prevention kits—nets, coils, repellents—and helped fund medicines for families after World Humanitarian Day. Culture & Craft: Agortime’s 31st Kente Festival renewed calls to preserve traditional weaving and support youth with sustainable livelihoods. Arts/Entertainment Elsewhere: Nollywood actor Ogogo’s daughters appealed for medical help after reports of treatment refusal, as public figures rallied around him.

Press Freedom & Film: RSF is calling for the immediate release of French filmmakers Gaël Mocaër and Sebastian Perez Pezzani, plus Togolese fixer Fred Vedomey, held in pre-trial detention in Togo since July 27 over alleged “false declarations,” with one filmmaker reportedly needing urgent medical care. Sports (CAF): Edo Queens have departed for Burkina Faso for the CAF Champions League preliminary round, with team leadership urging the champions to represent Nigeria and aim higher on the continent. Culture & Heritage: Agortime communities marked the 31st Agortime Kente Festival with renewed calls to preserve traditional weaving and protect it from rising costs and cheap imitations. Fashion (Education): Accra Technical University fashion students showcased African fabrics through modern designs in an exhibition themed “Wear Your Culture: Tradition Meets Modernity.” Health Access (Arts-adjacent spotlight): BeOne Medicines and partners extended a Brukinsa access programme for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia in low- and middle-income countries through 2028.

Cultural Heritage & Craft: Agortime communities marked the 31st Agortime Kente Festival with fresh calls to preserve traditional Kente weaving and invest in the craft so youth can earn sustainably, with officials warning that rising costs and cheap imitations threaten authentic production. Fashion & Youth Creativity: Accra Technical University fashion students showcased African fabrics in modern designs under “Wear Your Culture: Tradition Meets Modernity,” highlighting fashion as a viable business path beyond clothing. Health Access (Arts-adjacent spotlight): BeOne Medicines and partners renewed a Brukinsa access programme for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) in low- and middle-income countries, extending support until 2028. Film/Media in Togo: Paris says two French journalist-directors have been held in Togo since July 27 and are under judicial investigation. Sports & Community: Ku Stevens says the Remembrance Run drew the biggest turnout yet and plans to grow it further, with the event tied to boarding-school survivor remembrance. Regional Arts/Identity: The Ojude Brandon festival brought Yoruba heritage to a new audience through dance, music, food and traditional attire.

Press Freedom & Detentions: France says two French journalist-directors have been held in Togo since July 27 and are under judicial investigation, with Togo ranked 97th in RSF’s press freedom index. Cross-Border Justice: Nigeria arrested a wanted Chadian woman and repatriated her to N’Djamena via Lomé, Togo, highlighting regional cooperation. Sports Officiating (WAfCON 2026): CAF named Egypt’s Shahenda Saad Ali Elmaghrabi as centre referee for the WAfCON Morocco 2026 final, with Togo’s Vincentia Enyonam as fourth official and VAR led by Tunisia’s Dorsaf Ganouati. Culture & Fashion (Regional): Agortime Kente Festival in Ghana urged preservation of traditional weaving and youth livelihoods; meanwhile, Accra Technical University fashion students showcased African culture through modern designs. Arts & Entertainment (Global): Nollywood actor Ogogo’s daughters appealed for medical help amid cancer treatment claims, while NDLEA actions and major entertainment headlines dominated Nigeria’s afternoon recap.

Cancer & Nollywood: Ogogo’s daughters say hospitals refused further treatment for the veteran actor’s stage-four cancer, as Nollywood colleagues rally for specialist care and one daughter denies death rumours. Anti-drug crackdown: Nigeria’s NDLEA says it dismantled a major cocaine cartel and arrested social media influencer KC Luxury, while also handing out awards to hundreds of personnel and partners. Togo in the spotlight: A Russian strike damaged a civilian vessel flying Togo’s flag in Odesa region, injuring four people. Fashion & culture: Accra Technical University fashion students showcased African fabrics through modern designs in a “Wear Your Culture” exhibition. Heritage festivals: Agortime in Ghana celebrated its 31st Kente Festival with calls to preserve the craft and support youth livelihoods, with neighbouring Togo ties highlighted. Sports media: CAF named an Egyptian referee team for the WAfCON Morocco 2026 final, with Togo’s Vincentia Enyonam as fourth official.

Togo Food & Culture: Festival La Marmite (FESMA) opened in Lomé on Aug. 12, running to Aug. 16 at the Palais des Congrès, with about 100 exhibitors across the food value chain and China as guest of honor; the event pushes local products, culinary competition and food-industry innovation. Traditional Festivals: Asogli Te Za (yam festival) was launched in Ho on Aug. 12 with cultural performances and fireworks, plus youth and entrepreneurship activities, marathon, health walk and an Oct. 3 grand durbar. Fashion & Identity: Accra Technical University fashion students showcased African fabrics through modern designs in a “Wear Your Culture: Tradition Meets Modernity” exhibition, urging youth to study fashion as a viable business. Sports & Community: Namibia’s tennis teams had a strong weekend, beating Togo and others to qualify for Davis Cup World Group II—good news for regional sports fans. Arts & Media in Togo: Togolese bloggers shared their Moscow trip with Lomé audiences, focusing on how they build careers in new media.

Togo in the headlines: Russia struck Odesa port infrastructure again, damaging a civilian vessel flying the flag of the Togolese Republic and injuring four people, according to Odesa officials. Food & culture in Lomé: Festival La Marmite (FESMA) opened in Lomé on Aug. 12, spotlighting gastronomy, local products and food innovation, with China as guest of honor and competitions for culinary talent and new food-industry projects running through Aug. 16. Fashion & heritage: Accra Technical University fashion students showcased African fabrics through modern designs in a “Wear Your Culture: Tradition Meets Modernity” exhibition. Local arts calendar: Asogli’s 2026 Te Za yam festival launched in Ho on Aug. 12, with cultural performances and a full run of events leading to a grand durbar on Oct. 3. Sports spotlight: WAfCON Morocco 2026 final officials include Togolese referee Vincentia Enyonam as fourth official.

Fashion & Heritage: In Lomé, Festival La Marmite (FESMA) opened Aug. 12 with about 100 exhibitors, spotlighting local gastronomy, food innovation and a seven-country culinary contest, with China as guest of honor. Traditional Craft & Youth: Agortime chiefs and people marked the 31st Kente Festival in Kpetoe, urging preservation of authentic weaving while creating sustainable jobs for young artisans amid cheaper imitations. Campus Creativity: Accra Technical University fashion students showcased African fabrics through modern designs at a “Wear Your Culture: Tradition Meets Modernity” exhibition. Culture in Motion: The Asogli Te Za yam festival was launched in Ho on Aug. 12, featuring performances and a roadmap of events leading to a grand durbar in October. Sports & Community: In Lomé, GTO sports competitions (chess, football, cycling, karate, judo) marked Physical Culture Day, with organizers linking fitness standards to national readiness. Media & Travel: Togolese bloggers shared their Russia trip with Lomé residents, focusing on building a blogging career and planning future visits.

Gulf of Guinea Corridor: A new report tracks how Lagos-to-Abidjan is turning into one connected West African urban and economic belt, with Lomé emerging as a key maritime and logistics hub. Women’s Safety Push: Bangladesh Mohila Parishad says women and children “are not fully safe anywhere,” citing 1,667 violence victims (292 rape cases) in Jan–July and calling for action beyond government. WAfCON Final Officiating: CAF appoints Egyptian Shahenda Saad Ali Elmaghrabi as centre referee for Malawi vs Cameroon in Morocco, with Togolese Vincentia Enyonam as fourth official and VAR led by Tunisia. Togolese Food Culture Spotlight: Festival La Marmite (FESMA) opened in Lomé (Aug 12–16), spotlighting local products, gastronomy and food-industry innovation with China as guest of honor. Asogli Te Za in Ho: The 2026 yam festival was launched in Ho with cultural displays and fireworks, building toward a grand durbar on Oct 3. Sports for Physical Culture Day: Lomé hosted GTO competitions (chess, football, cycling, karate, judo) organized by the Association Russo-Togolaise Alternative (ART). Togo in the Media Loop: Togolese bloggers shared their Moscow trip with Lomé residents, focusing on building careers and learning from African media peers.

Festival & Food Culture: Togo’s Festival La Marmite (FESMA) opened in Lomé on Aug. 12, running to Aug. 16 at the Palais des Congrès, spotlighting local gastronomy, food-industry innovation, and a multi-country culinary competition plus a pitch for 10 innovation projects. Heritage & Community Sports: The Asogli 2026 Te Za yam festival was launched in Ho on Aug. 12 with cultural performances and fireworks, under a “United in purpose” theme, and a packed calendar including youth empowerment, marathon, health walk, anti-corruption forum, and a grand durbar in October. Arts & Youth Media: Togolese bloggers shared their Russia trip with Lomé residents at ART’s office, showing photos and videos from the Russia–Africa: New Media Meanings tour and discussing how to build careers and grow audiences. Local Sports for Physical Culture Day: In Lomé, ART-backed GTO sports competitions marked Physical Culture Day with events like chess, football, cycling, karate, judo, and fitness tests such as push-ups and sprints. Regional Trade & Business (Togo-linked): Fidelity Bank Ghana urged harmonised customs systems across West Africa, calling out how bureaucracy hits traders—especially women importing via Lomé.

Festival & Food Culture (Togo): Lomé hosted the 5th Festival La Marmite (FESMA) from Aug. 12–16 at the Palais des Congrès, with about 100 exhibitors across the food value chain. The festival spotlights gastronomy, local products and agro-innovation, with a culinary competition involving seven countries and a food-industry innovation contest featuring 10 selected projects. Traditional Calendar (Togo): The 2026 Asogli Te Za yam festival was launched in Ho on Aug. 12 under the theme “United in purpose,” featuring cultural performances and a packed run of events leading to a grand durbar on Oct. 3. Sports & Physical Culture (Togo): Lomé held GTO sports competitions on Aug. 9 for Physical Culture Day, with chess, football, cycling, karate and judo, organized by the Association Russo-Togolaise Alternative (ART). Local Media & Youth (Togo): Togolese bloggers shared their Moscow trip with Lomé residents, discussing how they prepared for travel, studied opportunities, and built careers in blogging. Arts, Heritage & Design (region): Museums are increasingly using documentary film to preserve and interpret African architecture, highlighted by MoMA’s “Architects of Liberation” exhibition in New York. Business & Trade (regional): Fidelity Bank Ghana urged harmonised customs systems across West Africa to cut costs for traders—especially women importing via Lomé and Nigeria.

Road & Heritage: Togo and Benin are stepping up climate protection for the UNESCO-listed Koutammakou cultural landscape, with a new cross-border risk assessment launched in Nadoba to guide conservation and resource mobilization. Food & Festival Culture: Lomé’s Festival La Marmite (FESMA) opened Aug. 12, running to Aug. 16 at the Palais des Congrès, spotlighting local gastronomy, food-industry innovation, and a multi-country culinary competition. Yam Festival Spotlight: Asogli’s 2026 Te Za was launched in Ho on Aug. 12, themed “United in purpose,” with events ranging from youth empowerment and marathons to an Oct. 3 grand durbar. Community Sports: Lomé hosted GTO sports competitions on Aug. 9 for Physical Culture Day, featuring chess, football, cycling, karate and judo under the Association Russo-Togolaise Alternative (ART). Media & Youth: Togolese bloggers shared their Russia trip in Lomé, answering questions on studying, careers, and building a blogging path back home. Local Arts & Identity: A feature on “Nana Benz” explores icons of Togo’s changing fortunes along West Africa’s urban corridor.