Togo has denied reports that Russian mercenaries are operating on its territory, with Foreign Minister Robert Dussey saying foreign personnel in the West African country are limited to military trainers.
Speaking to France 24 on Wednesday, Dussey rejected claims that Russian fighters linked to Moscow’s Africa Corps were deployed in Togo.
“That is not true. We do not have Russian mercenaries,” Dussey said, according to AFP.
He said foreign instructors were present to train Togolese security personnel in the use of military equipment purchased from overseas suppliers.
“When you buy a French, American, Chinese or Russian helicopter, it is normal for instructors to come and train our defence and security forces and our pilots,” he said.
The comments follow concerns raised by Togo’s opposition in July over the possible presence of foreign forces in the country’s north. Opposition figures specifically cited alleged Russian personnel linked to Africa Corps and Turkish personnel associated with the private defence consultancy SADAT.
Togo has faced growing security pressure in its northern regions since late 2021 as armed groups linked to Al Qaeda and Daesh have expanded southward from the Sahel.
The government signed a framework military cooperation agreement with Türkiye in 2021 and concluded a military cooperation deal with Russia in 2025. The latter allows Moscow to send military instructors, ships and aircraft to Togo.
Russia has expanded its security footprint across the Sahel in recent years, particularly in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, where personnel from Africa Corps — which operates under Russia’s Defence Ministry — have been deployed.
Dussey also urged international partners not to isolate the military-led governments of the Sahel, arguing that they serve as a barrier against the spread of armed groups and violent extremism.
France, meanwhile, has sought to maintain ties with Togo as its influence has declined across parts of West Africa. The French foreign minister visited Lome in April, the first such visit in 24 years.
Relations have nevertheless faced strains. France 24 and Radio France Internationale have been barred from broadcasting in Togo since 2025, while two French filmmakers and their Togolese assistant were detained in late July and accused of making false statements, allegations they deny.
The two French nationals were granted provisional release on September 1 and allowed to leave the country.
Dussey insisted relations between Lome and Paris remained intact.
“Relations between Togo and France have never been in crisis,” he said, while acknowledging that “some misunderstandings” could occur.
