Togo’s diplomatic balancing act: how President Faure Gnassingbé builds ties with both France and Russia while maintaining influence in West Africa.

Togo, Faure Gnassingbé, West Africa, France, Russia, Ecowas, Sahel, politics, international relations

Togo’s Diplomatic Balancing Act: Navigating Relations with France and Russia

Togo’s Diplomatic Balancing Act: France, Russia, and Regional Power

By Paul Melly, West Africa analyst

Faure Gnassingbé applauded by other leaders in Washington — Faure Gnassingbé is cultivating a range of sometimes opposing alliances

Introduction: Togo’s Strategy in a Divided West Africa

As some West African nations deepen ties with historic allies like France, and others turn to new partners such as Russia, Togo’s diplomatic balancing act stands out. Under President Faure Gnassingbé, Togo cultivates relations with diverse—sometimes rival—international actors to maximize its leverage on the African continent.

Togo’s Role in Regional Tensions

The Togo diplomatic balancing act was spotlighted during the December 7th attempted coup in neighboring Benin. Lt Col Pascal Tigri, leader of the failed coup, reportedly escaped into Togo’s territory before finding safe haven elsewhere, possibly in Burkina Faso or Niger. Togo’s opaque involvement typifies a regime skilled at extracting maximum diplomatic value from ambiguous situations.

Although relations between Togo and Benin are cool, both remain part of the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas). President Gnassingbé judiciously avoids openly supporting coups or sheltering dissidents, even as he maintains cordial ties with leaders in the Sahel, specifically Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali—countries that exited Ecowas in early 2024.

Two women in Togo wearing matching wax fabrics — Most people in Togo have only ever known life under the Gnassingbé family

Strategic Relationships: France and Russia

Traditional and Emerging Partners

Historically, France has been Togo’s principal ally. This connection was reaffirmed at the October 2023 meeting in Paris, where President Emmanuel Macron welcomed Gnassingbé to the Élysée Palace. Yet, just weeks later, Gnassingbé was in Moscow, inking a defence deal with President Vladimir Putin. This high-profile visit led to a military partnership and allowed Russian ships access to the modern port of Lomé—a vital gateway for the region’s landlocked states.

The Togo diplomatic balancing act does not mean breaking away from the West. Rather, it is an intentional diversification of alliances. Beyond military cooperation with Russia and France, Togo recently joined the Commonwealth, broadening its international ties alongside membership in the International Francophonie Organisation (IOF).

King Charles III shakes hands with Faure Gnassingbé — French-speaking Togo recently joined the Commonwealth, linking with both Anglophone and Francophone nations

Lomé as a Regional Economic and Diplomatic Hub

Togo’s diplomatic balancing act is rooted in its economic strategy. Lomé is a major freight, logistics, and travel hub, with a deepwater port and a strategic location along the Lagos-Abidjan route—a priority development corridor for Ecowas. It is home to key regional financial institutions, and its connections foster both economic and diplomatic flexibility.

Rural poverty persists, but the country’s diversified connections broaden its economic foundation and international reach.

Market in Lomé, Togo — Togo lies at the heart of some of West Africa’s major trade routes

Domestic Politics and Constitutional Change

The government’s international overtures are closely linked to changes in Togo’s domestic political structure. In 2024, a constitutional reform transformed the presidency into a ceremonial post and granted executive power to a new role—the “president of the council”—effectively allowing Gnassingbé to maintain his grip on power indefinitely, since this post has no term limit. Learn more about these constitutional changes.

The reforms, while controversial, cemented the ruling party’s dominance and largely silenced dissent through a swift crackdown on protestors, opposition figures, and journalists. Critics claim these changes undermine democracy and threaten human rights in Togo, concerns echoed by the European Parliament.

Continuing Discontent and Western Criticism

Individuals deemed even remotely involved in protests are detained, while prominent critics and journalists face threats and harassment. The government deflects criticism by accusing its opponents of violence and foreign manipulation. Still, mounting Western and domestic criticism have led to discussions about releasing political prisoners, suggesting internal pressures persist despite international maneuvering.

Vladimir Putin meeting with Faure Gnassingbé — Through Togo’s port, Russia now has access to the landlocked Sahel juntas it supports

Conclusion: The Limits of International Diversification

President Gnassingbé’s diplomatic balancing act grants him leverage abroad and helps resist external pressure. However, the approach does not erase the risk of domestic unrest. Sustainable stability in Togo will ultimately depend on reconciling international strategy with internal political reforms and respect for human rights.

Togo’s Faure Gnassingbé walks a diplomatic tightrope between Russia and France