On October 29, 2026, Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, President of the Council of Togo, participated in the third Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow, alongside Russian President Vladimir Poutine and several African heads of state and government. The summit aimed to examine the challenges and prospects of Russo-African cooperation in a complex international context marked by security, economic, and geopolitical issues. The Togolese delegation was warmly welcomed by President Poutine.
During the summit, Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé emphasized the importance of a partnership that is durable and mutually beneficial between Russia and Africa. He stated that the strength of a partnership is measured by what it builds, the freedom it gives to choose one's future, the peace it helps preserve, and the prospects it opens up for future generations. The President of the Council shared his vision for the future of Russo-African partnership, focusing on state sovereignty, peace and stability, and Africa's economic transformation.
Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé highlighted the significance of African states' sovereignty, enabling them to define their priorities freely, choose their partners, and have the necessary means to achieve their ambitions. He stressed that sovereignty is about allowing a people to decide their trajectory and have the means to achieve it. The President of the Council also advocated for increased African participation in international decisions that affect the continent's future.
The President of the Council addressed the issue of peace and stability, essential for the continent's development. He recalled the devastating consequences of conflicts on populations, economic activities, and opportunities for young people. Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé emphasized the need to strengthen African states' capacities to protect their populations and support initiatives for crisis prevention and resolution. He also highlighted the role of public services, employment, and dialogue in consolidating peace.
Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé dedicated his third reflection to Africa's economic transformation. He called for cooperation that is more oriented towards the needs of populations, particularly in terms of food, energy, employment, and prospects for young generations. The President of the Council emphasized the possibilities of cooperation in strategic sectors such as agriculture, energy, and infrastructure. He also stressed the importance of strengthening productive capacities, developing local resource transformation, and improving connectivity between territories and markets.
The President of the Council highlighted the crucial role of science, technology, and training in driving Africa's economic transformation. He emphasized that these levers are essential for developing skills, creating added value, and achieving sustainable growth. Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé expressed his wish that the summit would be a decisive step for African and Russian populations, calling for a new dynamic in the Russo-African partnership around sovereignty, peace, and economic transformation.
The third Russia-Africa Summit brought together 148 participants and lasted 6 minutes. The event provided a platform for leaders to discuss and outline a renewed partnership between Russia and Africa. Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé's participation and reflections contributed to the discussions, emphasizing the need for a mutually beneficial partnership that prioritizes African states' sovereignty, peace, and economic transformation.
Key points
- Togo's President of the Council, Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, emphasizes sovereignty, peace, and economic transformation as key pillars for a renewed Russia-Africa partnership.
