Togo’s shifting alliances with Russia and Africa Corps expose new security strategies

The small West African nation of Togo is quietly reshaping its security partnerships, drawing global attention to its evolving strategy against regional jihadist threats. Recent developments reveal Lomé’s unexpected collaborations with Moscow’s Africa Corps and Ankara, signaling a bold pivot in its foreign policy approach.

From silent observer to strategic player

For years, Togo maintained a low-profile stance in the Sahel’s escalating security crisis. Yet behind closed doors, the government of President Faure Gnassingbé has been quietly forging new alliances, particularly with non-traditional partners. These moves come as regional powers reassess their positions amid persistent instability in neighboring Burkina Faso and Mali.

The shift gained momentum in 2025 when Togo openly welcomed the presence of Russia’s Africa Corps—a shadowy military contingent that has expanded its footprint across the continent. While official statements remain cautious, diplomatic sources confirm ongoing negotiations regarding potential security cooperation and training programs. The move reflects a broader trend among West African states seeking alternatives to traditional Western security guarantees.

Turkey’s role in Lomé’s new defense architecture

Parallel to its engagement with Moscow, Togo has deepened ties with Ankara, securing critical aerial support and logistical assistance. Turkish defense officials have reportedly conducted joint exercises with Togolese forces, while Ankara’s drones and surveillance systems now patrol the country’s northern borders. This collaboration comes as Turkey positions itself as a key security provider in Africa, competing with Russian and Western interests.

The partnership extends beyond military hardware. Turkish engineering firms are involved in modernizing Togo’s naval infrastructure, including the expansion of the Port of Lomé—a strategic hub that serves as a gateway for regional trade and potential military deployments.

Naval expansion raises regional eyebrows

A recent satellite analysis revealed unusual activity at the Dihiaga military base in the Savanes region, where new facilities appear to be under construction. While the government has not disclosed their purpose, analysts speculate they may serve as staging grounds for naval operations. This development follows Togo’s acquisition of two offshore patrol vessels from a European manufacturer, signaling an ambitious expansion of its maritime defense capabilities.

Experts suggest this naval buildup aims to counter illicit trafficking networks and protect critical maritime routes, particularly in the Gulf of Guinea. The move aligns with a broader West African push to assert control over regional waters amid rising piracy and smuggling threats.

Balancing act: navigating great power rivalries

Togo’s diplomatic dance reflects the broader challenges facing African nations caught between competing global powers. By engaging with both Russia and Turkey, Lomé is diversifying its security partnerships while avoiding outright alignment with any single bloc. This strategy mirrors approaches taken by other West African states, including Ghana and Benin, which have also courted non-traditional allies.

Yet the shift carries risks. Critics warn that deepening ties with Russia’s Africa Corps could provoke tensions with Western partners, particularly France and the United States, which have long dominated the region’s security landscape. Meanwhile, Ankara’s growing influence in West Africa presents its own set of geopolitical considerations.

Public reaction and political implications

Within Togo, the government’s new alliances have sparked debate. Supporters argue that enhanced security cooperation is essential to counter the jihadist threat, while opponents express concerns over transparency and the long-term implications of foreign military presence. Opposition figures have questioned the lack of public consultation regarding these partnerships, calling for greater scrutiny of the agreements being signed.

President Gnassingbé, who has ruled Togo since 2005, faces mounting pressure to justify these strategic shifts. His administration has traditionally maintained close ties with France and the European Union, making the new alignments a departure from established policy. The government’s handling of these developments will likely shape Togo’s international standing in the coming years.

What’s next for Togo’s security strategy?

As Lomé continues to navigate this complex landscape, all eyes will be on the next moves in its evolving defense posture. Will the Africa Corps establish a permanent presence? How will Turkey’s role expand beyond current cooperation? And crucially, how will these alliances impact Togo’s relationship with its traditional partners?

The answers to these questions will not only define Togo’s security future but also set a precedent for other West African nations grappling with similar strategic choices.