Togo denies presence of Russian mercenaries

Togolese Foreign Minister Robert Dussey has denied reports that Russian mercenaries are operating within Togo. Speaking to France 24, Dussey clarified that Russian nationals present in the country are military instructors tasked with training defense forces and pilots, particularly following the acquisition of foreign military equipment.

“We do not have Russian mercenaries,” Dussey stated, explaining that instructors often accompany the purchase of hardware, whether from France, the United States, China, or Russia.

The denial follows concerns raised by Togolese opposition groups in July regarding the presence of foreign forces in the Savanes region. These groups had specifically alleged the presence of personnel linked to Russia’s Africa Corps and the Turkish private defense consultancy SADAT.

Togo has faced increasing security challenges in its northern regions since 2021 due to the southward expansion of armed groups linked to Al Qaeda and Daesh. The government has established military cooperation agreements with both Türkiye and Russia, the latter of which allows for the deployment of instructors, ships, and aircraft.