In a move that’s sure to raise eyebrows on the global stage, Russia and Togo are set to open embassies in each other’s capitals next year, marking a significant step in their growing relationship. But here’s where it gets intriguing: this development comes as Russia intensifies its efforts to expand its influence across Africa, a continent where Western clout has noticeably faded in recent years. Since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Moscow has been actively forging political, economic, and military alliances across Africa, and Togo is the latest nation to move closer into its orbit. Earlier this year, Togo signed a military cooperation agreement with Russia, signaling a deepening of ties that goes beyond diplomacy.
During talks in Moscow, Russian President Vladimir Putin remarked on the peculiarity of the situation: ‘This year, we celebrated 65 years of diplomatic relations, yet, surprisingly, we never established embassies during that entire period. But now, we’ve finally agreed—next year, we’ll open embassies in both countries.’ Togo’s leader, Faure Gnassingbé, expressed gratitude for Russia’s continued funding of scholarships for Togolese students and hoped the new embassies would further strengthen educational and cultural exchanges.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Togo, a small West African nation, has been grappling with a jihadist insurgency that has spilled over from neighboring Sahel countries, resulting in the deaths of at least 60 civilians and soldiers this year alone. Gnassingbé has positioned himself as a regional mediator, even in complex conflicts like the one between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda. Meanwhile, Russia has been deepening its security footprint across the Sahel, signing a defense memorandum with the military juntas in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso—countries that have increasingly distanced themselves from France and embraced Moscow’s support, including the deployment of mercenaries to combat jihadist groups.
Russian state TV recently revealed that Russian troops are now active in six African countries, a fact that has sparked both concern and debate. Is Russia’s growing presence in Africa a legitimate effort to foster stability, or is it a strategic move to counter Western influence? This question is at the heart of the controversy surrounding these developments.
And this is the part most people miss: While Russia’s actions in Africa are often framed as a geopolitical power play, they also highlight the continent’s shifting alliances and the complex dynamics of global influence. As Western powers grapple with their own challenges, Russia is stepping into the void, offering military and economic support in exchange for loyalty and access.
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