Togo extends state of emergency in the north
Togolese forces are stationed in the north to combat a jihadist threat coming from Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali, where terrorists with ties to the Islamic State and al-Qaeda are active.
Boakyewaa Lawrencia 
The northern Savanes border region of Togo has been under a six-month state of emergency following Islamist attacks.
The West African nation declared a state of emergency in June, and it was scheduled to end in the middle of this month. Since November, there have been at least five attacks there.
However, the Togolese national assembly overwhelmingly decided to extend it on Tuesday for another six months, until March of 2019.
According to the Togolese Minister of Security, Damehame Yark, the extension was required "for the correct conduct of military operations, keeping order, and for a return of peace and security in this region."
Togolese forces are stationed in the north to combat a jihadist threat coming from Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali, where terrorists with ties to the Islamic State and al-Qaeda are active.
