In response to increasing jihadist threats and trade uncertainties, the country is expanding its global alliances through new security and economic engagements.
Togo aims to strengthen its position in a changing geopolitical landscape. It is signing agreements that deepen relations with Russia and the United States—two rival powers seeking to expand their influence across Africa. At the end of July, the Russian legislative committee approved a draft law to ratify a new military cooperation agreement with Togo, which had been signed months earlier. The pact includes joint military exercises, intelligence sharing, troop training, and emergency medical support.
The move comes at a time when northern Togo, particularly the Savanes region, is facing a resurgence of jihadist violence. The agreement also underscores Moscow’s efforts to expand military influence across Africa, following similar arrangements with Cameroon, the Central African Republic, and São Tomé and Príncipe. Russia is leveraging the broad shift of former colonies away from French influence in the region.
However, despite its security-oriented approach toward Russia, Togo is not breaking ties with the USA. Shortly before, U.S. Ambassador Richard Michaels visited the port of Lomé to assess the site’s potential for American businesses. Michaels highlighted the deep-sea capacity and modern infrastructure, noting that the port of Lomé is the fourth-largest container port in Africa. The visit also focused on efforts to deepen bilateral trade with Togo. These efforts, however, are challenged by the erratic customs policies of the Trump administration, which included a blanket 10% tariff on African imports. Local producers fear effects on key export goods such as cocoa, coffee, shea, soy, and textiles.
These dual commitments reflect Lomé’s efforts toward multipolar diplomacy, seeking improved security through Moscow while simultaneously strengthening its economic partnership with Washington. Whether this balancing act will ultimately succeed remains to be seen.
