Foreign forces in Togo: opposition demands transparency on security partnerships

Togo is grappling with a growing security dilemma as foreign military and paramilitary forces operate within its borders, particularly in the northern Savanes region bordering Burkina Faso. A coalition of opposition groups and civil society organizations has intensified pressure on President Faure Gnassingbé’s administration, demanding clear answers about the presence of these foreign agents.

Opposition unites to challenge government secrecy

The political landscape in Lomé has shifted as opposition factions, including the Dynamique Monseigneur Kpodzro (DMK), Dynamique pour la majorité du peuple (DMP), Lumière pour le développement dans la paix (LDP), and the movement Touche pas à ma Constitution, have issued a joint statement calling for accountability. Their primary concern revolves around the lack of official disclosure regarding the status, roles, and legal framework governing foreign personnel operating in Togo.

While acknowledging the necessity of regional security cooperation against rising terrorist threats from the Sahel, the coalition insists that transparency cannot be compromised. The absence of public information has fueled speculation about the true nature of these arrangements, leaving citizens and political actors in the dark about potential risks to national sovereignty.

Russia’s Africa Corps and Turkey’s SADAT under scrutiny

The opposition’s demands target two key actors whose involvement in Togo’s security sector has raised eyebrows. First, the Africa Corps—a restructured Russian security presence in Africa—is suspected of deploying around 350 personnel to assist in counterterrorism efforts. Second, the Turkish private military firm SADAT, with ties to Ankara, is alleged to be providing technical support, training, or operational guidance to Togolese forces.

Neither Lomé, Moscow, nor Ankara has confirmed these claims or provided verified details on the scope of their activities. This opacity has led to concerns about whether these foreign teams are merely advisors, intelligence experts, or active combat units involved in tactical operations. The lack of clarity has also sparked debates about Togo’s compliance with international and domestic legal frameworks.

Sovereignty, accountability, and financial implications

The opposition coalition does not outright reject foreign military partnerships but highlights critical gaps in governance. Key issues include:

• Command structure: Foreign personnel must operate under the direct authority of the Togolese Armed Forces (FAT) and adhere to national and international laws.
• Civil liberties: There is a strong demand to prevent foreign forces from participating in public order operations, arrests, surveillance, or intimidation of civilians and political figures.
• Budget transparency: The cost of these security arrangements remains undisclosed, prompting calls for parliamentary scrutiny over public expenditure.

Gnassingbé’s strategic shift toward non-Western partners

Since 2021, President Faure Gnassingbé has pursued a diversification of defense alliances, moving beyond traditional Western partners to strengthen ties with Turkey and Russia. This strategy culminated in the acquisition of Bayraktar TB2 combat drones from Ankara, vital for border surveillance in the northern regions. Additionally, agreements with Moscow have facilitated military intelligence sharing, officer training, joint exercises, and logistical support.

These initiatives are now formalized under the Togo-Sahel Strategy 2026-2028, a government roadmap aimed at deepening security cooperation with foreign partners. The stated goal is to secure the country’s northern borders and prevent the southward spread of jihadist groups toward the Atlantic coast. However, critics argue that such moves must be accompanied by robust public debate to ensure legitimacy and avoid internal political friction.

Time for an open national discussion?

In a region marked by political instability and shifting geopolitical alliances, the demand for clarity is more urgent than ever. For Togolese opposition and civil society groups, security policies should not be crafted behind closed doors. A transparent parliamentary or public debate could address legal ambiguities, ease tensions, and prevent foreign interventions from becoming a source of domestic discord. For now, all eyes are on the government, which faces mounting pressure to provide definitive answers.