In a strategic pivot that has raised eyebrows across West Africa, Togo has quietly opened its doors to military cooperation with Russia’s Africa Corps and deepened defense partnerships with Turkey. While Lomé has long relied on discreet security arrangements to counter jihadist movements in the Sahel, recent developments suggest a bold shift in alliances that could reshape regional security dynamics.
From covert security deals to open defense cooperation
For years, Togo has maintained a low-profile yet robust counterterrorism posture, deploying specialized units to monitor and neutralize threats emanating from the Sahel’s volatile borderlands. Until recently, these efforts were supported primarily through bilateral agreements with European and regional partners. However, the landscape has shifted dramatically since 2025, when Moscow’s Africa Corps began deploying advisors and logistical support to reinforce Lomé’s security infrastructure.
The move comes as jihadist factions continue to exploit porous borders, launching cross-border raids and destabilizing communities in northern Togo. Local analysts suggest that the Africa Corps’ involvement marks a turning point in Togo’s defense strategy, providing not only military training but also advanced surveillance and logistical capabilities that were previously unavailable.
Turkey’s growing military footprint in Lomé
Parallel to its engagement with Russia, Togo has also expanded its defense ties with Ankara. Turkish officials confirmed the delivery of state-of-the-art drones and aerial surveillance systems to Lomé, enhancing the country’s ability to monitor remote and high-risk zones. These assets have proven critical in tracking the movements of armed groups operating near the Burkina Faso and Niger borders, where insurgent activity has surged in recent months.
While neither Lomé nor Ankara has publicly detailed the full scope of their cooperation, insiders report that Turkish military advisors are now embedded within Togo’s armed forces, assisting in the development of drone-based reconnaissance programs. This collaboration aligns with Turkey’s broader strategy to expand its influence across West Africa, particularly in countries grappling with escalating security challenges.
The geopolitical implications of Togo’s evolving alliances
The deepening military ties between Togo, Russia, and Turkey underscore a broader trend in the Sahel: countries are increasingly seeking non-traditional partners to bolster their security frameworks. As traditional Western allies recalibrate their engagement in the region, African nations are turning to alternative sources of military support, often with fewer strings attached.
For Faure Gnassingbé, Togo’s President, these partnerships offer a lifeline in the face of mounting jihadist threats. But they also carry significant risks. By aligning closely with Moscow and Ankara, Lomé risks drawing the ire of its traditional allies, including France and the United States, who have long viewed the Sahel as a sphere of influence under their purview. The balancing act will require deft diplomacy to avoid alienating key partners while securing the military advantages these new alliances promise.
What’s next for Togo’s defense strategy?
As the jihadist threat continues to evolve, Togo’s security calculus is likely to adapt in tandem. Observers anticipate further deployments of Russian advisors and Turkish defense systems in the coming months, alongside expanded joint military exercises with neighboring countries. Meanwhile, Lomé is also exploring deeper intelligence-sharing arrangements with regional blocs such as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to create a unified front against insurgent groups.
The coming years will reveal whether Togo’s gamble pays off. If successful, it could serve as a model for other West African nations seeking to diversify their security partnerships. If not, it may deepen the country’s vulnerability to shifting geopolitical winds and the ever-present menace of jihadist violence.