Togo deepens ties with Russia and Africa Corps amid jihadist threats

Lomé has quietly expanded its security partnerships with Ankara and Moscow to counter rising instability in the Sahel. The shift reflects a broader recalibration of West African defense strategies amid escalating jihadist violence.

Ankara’s growing influence in Lomé’s security calculus

Since 2023, Togo has sought Ankara’s support to bolster its aerial surveillance and counterterrorism capabilities. The collaboration includes training programs for Togolese forces and the potential establishment of temporary Turkish military installations near the northern border.

Analysts note that this rapprochement aligns with Togo’s broader regional security objectives. The partnership with Turkey has been framed as a pragmatic response to the persistent jihadist threat in neighboring Burkina Faso and Mali, where armed groups have expanded their operations in recent years.

Moscow’s Africa Corps steps into the Sahel equation

Russia’s Africa Corps, a shadowy military unit with a controversial track record in Africa, has quietly emerged as a key player in Togo’s security framework. Reports indicate that Russian advisors have been active in Lomé since late 2024, providing strategic guidance and logistical support.

The Africa Corps’ involvement follows a pattern observed in other West African nations, where Moscow has positioned itself as an alternative security partner amid Western military disengagement. Togo’s engagement with Russia appears to prioritize rapid deployment capabilities and specialized training for elite units.

Faure Gnassingbé’s balancing act

Under President Faure Gnassingbé, Togo has adopted a multi-vector foreign policy, carefully balancing relations with traditional partners like France with emerging alliances in Ankara and Moscow. This approach has allowed Lomé to secure defense agreements without overtly severing ties with Western allies.

However, the growing Russian footprint has raised eyebrows among regional observers. Critics argue that the Africa Corps’ opaque operations could undermine regional stability, while proponents highlight the immediate security benefits of diversifying defense partnerships.

Regional implications of Togo’s new alliances

The strategic shift in Togo’s security posture has broader implications for the Gulf of Guinea and the wider Sahel. With jihadist groups increasingly targeting coastal states, Lomé’s proactive stance may serve as a test case for other nations grappling with similar threats.

As the security landscape in West Africa evolves, Togo’s partnerships with Turkey and Russia underscore the shifting dynamics of international military cooperation in the region. Whether these alliances will translate into lasting stability remains an open question.

The coming months will reveal how these new security arrangements impact Togo’s domestic stability and its role in regional counterterrorism efforts.