On October 29, 2026, Togo's President of the Council, Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, 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 challenges.
During the summit, President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé expressed his gratitude to President Vladimir Poutine for the warm welcome extended to the Togolese delegation. He emphasized the importance of a partnership that is durable and mutually beneficial, stressing that its strength is measured by what it builds, the freedom it gives to choose one's future, the peace it preserves, and the prospects it opens for future generations.
President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé shared three key reflections on the future of the Russo-African partnership, focusing on state sovereignty, peace and stability, and Africa's economic transformation. He 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.
The President of the Council emphasized that sovereignty is crucial when it allows a people to decide their trajectory and have the means to achieve it. He called for increased African participation in international decisions that affect the continent's future. This, he believes, will enable African countries to define their priorities, choose partners freely, and build relationships based on mutual respect and trust.
President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé also addressed the issue of peace and stability, which he considers essential for the continent's development. He noted that conflicts have severe consequences for populations, economic activities, and opportunities for young people. He stressed the need to strengthen African states' capacity to protect their populations and support initiatives for crisis prevention and resolution.
In addition to security responses, President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé highlighted the role of public services, employment, and dialogue in consolidating peace. He also emphasized the importance of mediation and building trust between citizens and institutions to prevent tensions and resolve disputes sustainably.
Finally, the President of the Council focused on Africa's economic transformation, calling for cooperation that is more oriented towards meeting the needs of populations, particularly in terms of food, energy, employment, and prospects for young generations. He identified sectors such as agriculture, energy, and infrastructure as strategic areas for cooperation to accelerate Africa's economic transformation.
Key points
- Togo's President of the Council seeks a stronger partnership with Russia at the third Russia-Africa Summit.
- The partnership aims to focus on sovereignty, peace, and economic transformation.
- President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé calls for increased African participation in international decisions affecting the continent's future.
