Both lions are armed with bow and arrow, symbolizing a call for all citizens to be active in the defence of freedom of the country.

On a ribbon stands Togo's motto: "Travail, Liberté, Patrie" (Work, Liberty, Homeland).

[1][2] After Togo's 1991 National Conference, multiple versions of this emblem proliferated, even within the Togolese government.

Giving the colonies their own insignia in time of war could let them have a symbol to rally around in case of rebellion.

The arms proposed for the Protectorate of Togoland depicted a tree supported by two cobra snakes and the German imperial eagle on a chief.