Traditional Chiefs in Togo Honored as Peace Ambassadors
Korbongou, Togo – At the Royal Court of Korbongou, in the Savanes Region, UPF-Togo organized a ceremony to invest six traditional chiefs as Ambassadors for Peace on October 10, 2026. The ceremony took place in a solemn yet festive atmosphere, attended by a large gathering of traditional leaders, government representatives, security officials and community members.
Approximately 2,000 people attended the event, which also marked the culmination of celebrations commemorating the 15th anniversary of the reign of His Majesty Tobli Oudanou II. Attendees included Mr. Mama Omorou, minister of education, alongside political, administrative, traditional and religious authorities, members of the defense and security forces, and delegations from Burkina Faso and Ghana, as well as participants from Côte d’Ivoire, Benin and Nigeria.
Mayor Nawate Kolanu Lorimpo welcomed the delegations and commended UPF-Togo for recognizing the contribution of traditional authorities to peacebuilding and social cohesion. On behalf of the president of the Council of Ministers, Mr. Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, Mr. Mama Omorou shared a message reaffirming the government's commitment to peace and security, congratulating the chiefs, and welcoming UPF's contribution to community stability.
Mr. Augustin Amo-Teyehewa, secretary general of UPF-Togo, presented UPF's vision, mission and international status, recalled its founding in 2005 by Dr. Sun Myung Moon and Dr. Hak Ja Han. He highlighted its guiding vision of One Family under God and its commitment to reconciliation, cooperation, family values, altruism and universal peace.
A message from Dr. Paterne Zinsou, UPF-Africa secretary general, delivered by Ms. Thérèse Gnaku, emphasized the essential role of traditional leaders in mediation, reconciliation and social cohesion. It also explained the proposed establishment of the International Association of Traditional Chiefs for Peace and Prosperity, encouraging Togo to play an active role.
Ms. Aminatou Gbedji, acting president of UPF-Togo, explained the criteria used to select the six chiefs, including moral integrity, personal leadership and concrete contributions to their communities. This was followed by the official investiture of the six chiefs as Ambassadors for Peace. Certificates were presented by distinguished authorities, while UPF-Togo representatives awarded the recipients their official sashes and pins. Each newly appointed ambassador was subsequently welcomed by the public in a festive traditional procession.
In addition to Chief Tobli Oudanou II of Korbongou, the recipients included: Chief Labdédé Yentchabre of Pogno; Chief Tiliadé Youma Soume of Sam-Naba; Chief Dakonnamé Lamboni of Nandoga; Chief Alima Larmongue of Biankouri; and Chief Zakar Nambiama Tabi of Sansanné-Mango.
National leader Rev. Dodji Juste Lakley congratulated the new ambassadors and encouraged them to make a lasting commitment to dialogue, reconciliation, solidarity and peace.
Speaking on behalf of his fellow recipients, His Majesty Oudanou Tobli II expressed profound gratitude to UPF and all participating authorities. He described the distinction as an honor and a major responsibility, emphasizing that peace requires daily commitment and collective action.
Overall, the event represented an important step in mobilizing traditional authorities as partners in peacebuilding and strengthening UPF-Togo's network of Ambassadors for Peace in the northern region and across the country.
Mr. Augustin Amo-Teyehewa, Secretary-General, UPF-Togo October 10, 2026
