Togo is making a strategic shift towards Russia in terms of military cooperation, a development that is causing concern in Paris , Lomé's historical partner.

During a visit to Moscow, Togolese President Faure Gnassingbé met with Vladimir Putin to finalize a Russian-Togolese military cooperation agreement . This agreement, already drafted by the two capitals and ratified by the Russian State Duma last October, formalizes a legal framework for defense.

Objectives and Scope of the Agreement

The agreement paves the way for a broader partnership that includes:

1. Military training
2. Information
3. Technical and medical assistance
4. Participation in joint exercises

According to the Togolese Minister of Foreign Affairs, Robert Dussey , Lomé's ambition is to surround itself with "reliable partners, willing to engage in mutually beneficial cooperation" .

The Need for Diversification in the Face of Security Challenges

This rapprochement is primarily motivated by the growing terrorist threat in northern Togo. Many observers believe that Lomé is seeking to diversify its partners in order to effectively address its security challenges.

Sogoyou Keguewe , former Togolese ambassador to Germany, emphasizes the legitimacy of this approach:

“Diversifying strategic partners is a necessary step. Acquiring military equipment from Russia is in no way reprehensible. Togo faces concrete threats that require both modern weaponry and the corresponding training. Above all, Togo remains a sovereign state.”

Despite Togo's already heterogeneous arsenal (including Russian, Chinese, and Israeli weapons), France has remained the country's main arms supplier for decades. The agreement with Russia therefore marks a major strategic turning point .

The Decline of French Influence in the Sahel

Historically, Togo signed its first defense agreement with France in 1963 , remaining under its security and military influence until 2014 .

However, since 2014, Togo has progressively diversified its partners (China, the United States, Russia), to the detriment of Paris. Dr. Folly Ékoué Gada , a geopolitician and director of the Institute for Strategic Studies at the University of Lomé, explains that Franco-Togolese military cooperation had already experienced a "dilution of French influence" before Russia's involvement.

He attributes this decline to "setbacks suffered during operations in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, as well as the non-functioning of bilateral agreements" which have pushed Togo to seek new collaborations.

The Attractiveness of the Russian Model

Russia, through entities like the Wagner paramilitary group (and now Africa Corps , affiliated with the Russian Ministry of Defense), is perceived by some African regimes as a reliable and effective partner in carrying out military missions on the continent.

As Oleg Glazunov , associate professor at Plekhanov University of Economics, observes:

"Russia inspires more confidence because Wagner has demonstrated its ability to successfully complete any military mission on the continent, better than other countries."

This rapprochement is interpreted by some as a sign of a "falling of love" between Lomé and Paris, especially as Moscow is forging numerous military agreements in Africa (Mali, Central African Republic, Cameroon, Angola). Many believe that France must reassess its strategy or risk losing even more influence.

However, Togolese security sources downplay the significance of this agreement, initially describing it as "technical." An anonymous Togolese officer emphasizes that, despite this development, the agreement "does not diminish France's security influence in Togo."