Togo: a new arena for french and russian geopolitical competition
Togo has rapidly become a focal point for an intense geopolitical rivalry unfolding between France and Russia. In this strategic Gulf of Guinea nation, both global powers are vying for influence through a blend of crisis diplomacy, security pacts, and soft power initiatives.
Within the discreet corridors of power in Lomé, a delicate diplomatic balancing act is underway. Traditionally seen as a quiet, steadfast partner to France in West Africa, Togo now finds itself at the epicenter of a significant struggle for influence between Paris and Moscow. As French influence has waned considerably across the Sahel region following diplomatic rifts with Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, France is actively working to consolidate its position along the maritime coast. However, Russia, having successfully expanded its footprint in neighboring Sahelian states, is now methodically advancing its agenda in Lomé.
Paris reorients its diplomatic approach
A clear alarm has sounded in Paris. In April 2026, the French Minister of Foreign Affairs undertook an official visit to Lomé – a notable event, marking the first visit by a French diplomatic head to Togo in over two decades.
Recognizing that moral appeals are no longer sufficient to retain historical allies, France has chosen to pivot its strategy towards concrete, high-impact social investments. To counter the growing anti-French sentiment across the region, Paris is emphasizing 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, aiming to position France as an indispensable future partner for Togolese youth and its elite.
The shadow of Africa Corps on the security front
Yet, in the critical domain of security, Moscow appears to hold a distinct advantage. Confronted by an escalating jihadist threat in its northern Savanes region, Togo is actively seeking swift and pragmatic solutions.
In 2025, Lomé and Moscow formalized a military cooperation agreement. This strategic alignment paves the way for the potential deployment of Africa Corps, the state-backed Russian entity that succeeded the Wagner paramilitary group. For the Togolese government, the primary objective is to secure operational support and military hardware to safeguard the northern territories, where the operational methodologies of the French army are often perceived as overly bureaucratic or contingent on political concessions.
Beyond arms: the battle for infrastructure, soft power, and economy
The Kremlin’s strategy extends far beyond military cooperation. Russia has set its sights on Togo’s most significant asset: the deep-water port of Lomé, a vital logistical hub unique in the sub-region. Moscow aspires to transform it into its primary gateway to the Sahelian hinterland. Ambitious infrastructure projects are already under consideration, including the construction of a railway and a pipeline connecting Lomé to Burkina Faso, thereby solidifying a corridor of influence linking the Gulf of Guinea with the military-led regimes of the Sahel.
Concurrently, Russia is deploying an aggressive soft power campaign to win over public opinion and civil society:
- Education: A significant increase in university scholarships for Togolese students to study in Russia.
- Culture: The establishment of Russian language centers and the organization of cultural events and concerts in Lomé.
- Information Warfare: Dissemination of sovereignist and anti-Western narratives, which resonate favorably with segments of the population.
President Faure Gnassingbé: master of the balancing act
Amidst this scramble for influence, Togolese President Faure Gnassingbé demonstrates remarkable political pragmatism. Rather than aligning exclusively with one side, he is skillfully leveraging this rivalry to maximize benefits for his nation. The head of state continues to actively participate in France-Africa summits to maintain strong relations with Western nations, while meticulously preparing for his attendance at the upcoming Russia-Africa summit scheduled for October.
“The risk of such a strategy is that Togo’s purely national interests could be overshadowed by a global confrontation that transcends its own scope,” cautions a regional political analyst.
By deliberately positioning itself at the crossroads of these two global visions—Moscow’s security pragmatism and decolonial discourse on one hand, and Paris’s development aid and historical ties on the other—Togo has become a crucial laboratory for understanding new power dynamics shaping the African continent. This tightrope diplomacy in Lomé will ultimately reveal the true cost of its dependencies.
