Togo has solidified its position as the latest stage for an intense geopolitical competition between France and Russia. Through a blend of crisis diplomacy, security pacts, and soft power initiatives, both global players are vying for influence within this strategically vital state located on the Gulf of Guinea.
Within the discreet corridors of power in Lomé, the Togolese presidency finds itself executing a complex diplomatic balancing act. Traditionally viewed as a quiet, long-standing partner of France in West Africa, Togo has now become the focal point of a significant contest for sway between Paris and Moscow. While French influence has significantly waned across the Sahel region, following successive diplomatic ruptures with Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, France is actively working to secure its positions along the Atlantic coastline. However, Russia, emboldened by its successes in neighboring Sahelian nations, is steadily advancing its agenda in Lomé using a well-established strategy.
French diplomacy’s belated reawakening
A clear alarm bell seems to have rung in Paris. In April 2026, the French Minister of Foreign Affairs undertook an official visit to Lomé. This event was far from trivial, marking the first trip by a French diplomatic chief to Togo in over two decades.
Recognizing that moral appeals are no longer sufficient to retain its historical allies, France has chosen to recalibrate its strategy, prioritizing concrete investments with substantial social impact. To counter the growing anti-French sentiment prevalent across the region, Paris is now focusing on modernity and human development. The financing of a new university hospital and the establishment of a cutting-edge artificial intelligence center in Lomé exemplify this renewed commitment to positioning France as an indispensable future partner for Togolese youth and its elite.
The shadow of Africa Corps on the security front
Nevertheless, in the most critical domain – security – Moscow appears to have gained a significant lead. Confronted with an escalating jihadist threat in its northern region (the Savanes), Togo is actively seeking swift and pragmatic solutions.
In 2025, Lomé and Moscow formalized a military cooperation agreement. This strategic alignment opens the door for the deployment of the Africa Corps, the official Russian state entity that has succeeded the paramilitary Wagner group. For the Togolese government, the primary objective is to secure operational support and military equipment to safeguard the country’s northern territories, where the operational approaches of the French army are often perceived as overly cumbersome or conditional on political concessions.
Beyond weaponry: the battle for infrastructure, soft power, and economy
The Kremlin’s strategy extends beyond the military sphere. Russia has its sights set on Togo’s primary asset: the deep-water port of Lomé, a vital logistical hub and a unique facility in the sub-region. Moscow aims to transform this port into its gateway to the Sahelian hinterland. Ambitious infrastructure projects are already under consideration, notably the construction of a railway and a pipeline connecting Lomé to Burkina Faso, thereby solidifying a corridor of influence linking the Gulf of Guinea to the military-led regimes of the Sahel.
Concurrently, Russia is deploying an exceptionally aggressive soft power campaign to win over public opinion and civil society:
- Education: A substantial increase in university scholarships for study in Russia.
- Culture: The establishment of Russian language centers and the organization of cultural events or concerts in Lomé.
- Information Warfare: The dissemination of sovereignist and anti-Western narratives, which resonate favorably with a segment of the population.
Faure Gnassingbé, master of the balancing act
Amidst this surge of contenders, Togolese President Faure Gnassingbé demonstrates remarkable political pragmatism. Far from choosing a side, he skillfully leverages this rivalry to maximize benefits for his nation. The head of state continues to actively participate in France-Africa summits to cultivate relations with Western nations, all while meticulously preparing for his visit to the upcoming Russia-Africa summit scheduled for October.
“The inherent danger of such a strategy is that Togo’s purely national interests could be relegated to a secondary role within a global confrontation that transcends its own scope,” cautioned a regional political analyst.
By deliberately positioning itself at the intersection of these two global perspectives – on one side, Moscow’s security pragmatism and decolonial discourse, and on the other, Paris’s development aid and historical ties – Togo has become a laboratory for the evolving power dynamics on the African continent. This high-wire diplomacy undertaken by Lomé will, in time, necessitate confronting the potential costs of such dependence.
