EMMANUEL BODJOLLE

Emmanuel Bodjollé, born in 1928, is a notable figure in Togolese history, primarily recognized for his role in the 1963 coup d'état. A former master-sergeant in the French army, Bodjollé found himself among a group of discharged soldiers who had not been absorbed into the newly established Togolese military. Drawing on his military background, he spearheaded a conspiracy involving about thirty former non-commissioned officers.

On January 13, 1963, Bodjollé led the Insurrection Committee that executed a dramatic coup against the government of President Sylvanus Olympio. The operation was swift and decisive, culminating in the assassination of Olympio by Etienne Eyadéma, who would later become known as Gnassingbé Eyadéma and eventually serve as Togo’s president. Bodjollé’s actions resulted in the installation of Nicolas Grunitzky as the new leader of Togo. Reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emmanuel_Bodjoll%C3%A9