Robert Dussey: Russian Trainers In Togo Confirmed, Mercenary Claims Denied

• Togo's Foreign Minister, Robert Dussey, denied the presence of Russian mercenaries but confirmed Russian trainers are in the country to instruct Togolese forces on purchased equipment.
• The minister expressed concern over jihadist group resurgence in the Sahel and called for dialogue with Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, viewing them as a bulwark against extremism.
• Dussey characterized relations with France as never difficult, despite the temporary suspension of French media outlets and the detention of French journalists in Togo.
• He defended Togo's UN resolution for the Equal Earth map as a "scientific truth," contrasting with the U.S. view of it as an ideological project.
• Dussey refuted claims of migrants expelled from the U.S. to Ghana ending up in Togo, labeling such reports as "fake news."

He unequivocally stated, "We do not have Russian mercenaries," thereby issuing a clear Togo Africa Corps denial.

Togo's Foreign Minister, Robert Dussey, has provided clarity regarding the presence of Russian personnel within the nation's borders, directly refuting claims of Russian mercenaries. In an interview with France 24, conducted on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Minister Dussey addressed reports suggesting the deployment of over 300 members of Russia's Africa Corps in Togo. He unequivocally stated, "We do not have Russian mercenaries," thereby issuing a clear Togo Africa Corps denial.

However, the Togolese foreign minister acknowledged a different form of engagement, confirming the presence of Russian trainers in Togo. These individuals are specifically tasked with instructing Togolese forces on the operation and maintenance of equipment that has been procured by the country. This statement delineates the nature of Togo military cooperation Russia, framing it as a technical training initiative rather than a mercenary deployment, which is crucial for understanding Togo security cooperation in the region and assessing potential compliance risks.

This clarification from Robert Dussey regarding Russian trainers in Togo is significant for international observers and legal counsel. It distinguishes between alleged mercenary activities, which often carry severe international implications, and a more conventional military training arrangement tied to equipment acquisition. The minister's remarks aim to provide transparency on the scope and purpose of foreign military assistance received by Togo.

Beyond the specifics of Russian military assistance, Minister Dussey conveyed deep concern over the escalating security situation in the Sahel region. He highlighted that jihadist groups have regained operational initiative, particularly in Mali, underscoring the persistent threat of violent extremism across West Africa. This regional instability forms a critical backdrop for Togo's security considerations and its engagement with external partners.

In response to these challenges, Minister Dussey advocated strongly for continued dialogue with neighboring countries, specifically Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. He emphasized that isolating these nations would be counterproductive, arguing that they serve as a vital "dike" against the spread of violent extremism. This diplomatic stance reflects Togo's broader strategy for regional stability, seeking cooperative solutions to shared security threats.

Despite the regional volatility, the Togolese foreign minister offered a positive assessment of his country's internal security landscape. He noted that the extreme northern part of Togo is considerably more peaceful now than it was four years prior, suggesting improvements in local security measures and stability. This internal assessment contrasts with the broader regional concerns, indicating a differentiated security environment within Togo.

During the same Robert Dussey France 24 interview, the minister touched upon Togo's bilateral relations with France, characterizing them as never having been difficult, suggesting only "misunderstandings." This perspective was offered despite the temporary suspension of France 24 and RFI broadcasts in Togo and the prior imprisonment and subsequent release of two French journalists in the country for over a month. These events highlight a complex dynamic in the relationship, even as the minister sought to play down tensions.

Minister Dussey also defended Togo's sponsorship of a resolution at the United Nations in favor of the Equal Earth map, which accurately represents the true size of Africa. He asserted that this initiative represented a "scientific truth," even though the United States voted against it, perceiving it as a radical ideological project. This demonstrates Togo's commitment to specific international diplomatic efforts and its willingness to challenge established cartographic norms.

Furthermore, Minister Dussey addressed allegations stemming from an investigation by a media consortium, coordinated by Forbidden Stories and involving France 24, concerning migration agreements between several African nations and the Trump administration. He stated that negotiations with Togo "did not advance as much with us." Regarding claims that individuals expelled from the United States to Ghana subsequently ended up in Togo, he dismissed these as "fake news," firmly rejecting the veracity of such reports.

This statement clarifies Togo's military cooperation with Russia, which is critical for compliance officers assessing potential sanctions risks related to Russian entities or for legal counsel advising on geopolitical stability and security implications for business operations in Togo.

Source: Original reporting via France 24 interview