SUMMARY

The Chakosi (referred to as Tchokossi by the Togolese state) or Anufom (as they refer to themselves and as they are known in Western anthropology) are an ethnic group mainly living in the Mango area of the Savanes region of North-Western Togo and in North-Eastern Ghana, in the Wawjayga area. The origins of the group can be traced to the Ano region of the Ivory Coast, from where Anufoms migrated, through a series of large military campaigns, in the late 18th century. Chakosi society is organised around complex clan- and class- like relations (called karmarom and donzom, depending on belonging to the religious or nobility classes), with lineages traceable to the original leaders of the 18th century migrations. There are over 100,000 Chakosi living in both Ghana and Togo, both in urban and rural areas. Those living in urban areas typically work in commerce or light industry, while rural inhabitants typically engage in various forms of agriculture in a very complex land tenure system shared with the Moba tribes.

Most Chakosi are Muslims - however, Islamic rituals are typically combined with various traditional indigenous beliefs and practices such as beliefs in various forms of magic. Further, adherence to Islam is more pronounced in larger towns, such as Mango and less so in the rural areas, where traditional religions are far more widespread.

While most Chakosi clans have never been involved in communal violence, a very small number have engaged in fighting against the Moba. Furthermore, in most cases, relations between the two groups are relatively peaceful, as the two groups typically respect their land rights, and grant each other access for religious or traditional purposes.

The Chakosi have been involved in the non-state category of UCDP organised violence.