Togo's Diplomatic Strategy
Togo is pursuing a foreign policy that involves cultivating relations with various international partners, including both France and Russia, as well as engaging with different regional blocs in West Africa. This approach has been observed amid regional developments, such as the attempted military coup in Benin on December 7. The leader of the coup attempt, Lt Col Pascal Tigri, reportedly escaped into Togo before traveling to another asylum location, possibly in Burkina Faso or Niger. Togo has not officially confirmed its role in this event.
International Engagements
Togo's President Faure Gnassingbé has engaged with both traditional and newer international partners:
- France: On October 30, President Emmanuel Macron hosted Gnassingbé at the Élysée Palace to discuss strengthening bilateral relations.
- Russia: Less than three weeks later, President Gnassingbé met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. During this meeting, a defense partnership was formally approved. This agreement grants Russian vessels access to Lomé port, a deepwater harbor on Africa's western coast that serves as a key supply gateway for landlocked Sahelian states. The bilateral military accord also includes provisions for intelligence cooperation and joint military exercises. Additionally, plans for economic cooperation and the reopening of their respective embassies, which had been closed since the 1990s, were announced.
Togo's government asserts that strengthening ties with Russia represents a natural diversification of relationships rather than a move to disengage from Western partners. This diversification strategy is consistent with Togo's actions three years prior, when it, along with Gabon, joined the Commonwealth, complementing their existing membership in the International Francophonie Organisation (IOF). Conversely, English-speaking Ghana, a Commonwealth member, joined the Francophonie last year. Many West African governments have indicated a preference for establishing a broad range of international partnerships without exclusivity.
Regional Diplomacy and Economic Hub Status
Togo's diplomatic approach also extends to its regional dealings:
- Ecowas and Sahelian States: Togo maintains membership in the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) but also cultivates relations with Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali. These three Sahelian nations, which formed the Alliance of Sahelian States (AES), withdrew from Ecowas in January. Togo's Foreign Minister, Prof Robert Dussey, has publicly discussed the possibility of Togo joining the AES.
- Economic Significance: Lomé serves as a significant freight, travel, and financial hub in West Africa. Its deepwater port can accommodate large ocean-going container ships, facilitating cargo transhipment to other regional ports. The city's airport offers flights across western and central Africa, and it hosts various regional financial entities. Togo's location on the Lagos-Abidjan transport corridor is strategically important for regional development.
Domestic Political Developments
In 2024, Togo implemented a constitutional change that altered the structure of its government:
- Executive Restructuring: The presidency, previously subject to a term limit, became a ceremonial role. Executive authority was transferred to a new position, "president of the council," which does not have term limits.
- Leadership Transition: President Faure Gnassingbé transitioned from the presidency to assume the role of "president of the council."
- Public Response: This constitutional amendment and the subsequent leadership change prompted public protests, which were reportedly suppressed. Individuals associated with demonstrations have been detained. High-profile critics, including rapper Aamron (Narcisse Essiwé Tchalla) and former defense minister Marguerite Gnakadè, have faced threats of prosecution. Journalists have reported intimidation. Government officials have attributed violence to protesters and raised concerns about "fake news" and human rights arguments being used to destabilize the situation.
- International Criticism: In September, the European Parliament passed a resolution calling for the unconditional release of political prisoners, including Abdoul Aziz Goma, a dual Irish-Togolese national detained since 2018. The Togolese government responded by reiterating the independence of its justice system to the EU ambassador.
- Recent Developments: In a state of the nation address this month, the "president of the council" indicated an intention to instruct the justice minister to review potential prisoner releases.