Opposition Warns of Foreign Troops in Togo

Togolese opposition and civil society coalitions voiced deep concern Tuesday over reports alleging that hundreds of Russian mercenaries and Turkish private military personnel have deployed to the country’s northern region.

Citing media accounts, the groups identified the personnel as members of Russia’s Africa Corps and the Turkish private military firm SADAT.

While Togolese officials have not formally confirmed the claims, the coalition demanded full transparency and warned against using foreign forces to intimidate, arrest, or repress local citizens.

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The alleged deployments coincide with escalating security threats in Togo’s northern Savanes region, where terrorist groups from the Sahel have launched repeated incursions since late 2021.

In response, Togo declared a state of emergency in June 2022 and currently maintains roughly 8,000 troops in the north under Operation Koundjoare.

Opposition (News Central TV) — Opposition warns of foreign troops in Togo. Credit: CNBC Africa

However, recent bilateral defence pacts—signed with Türkiye in 2021 and Russia in 2025—have allowed Moscow to deploy military instructors, ships, and aircraft, raising fears among critics regarding the true scope of foreign intervention.

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Abisoye Adeyiga

Abisoye Adedoyin Adeyiga holds a PhD in Languages and Media Studies and a Master’s in Education (English Language). Trained in digital marketing and investigative journalism, she is passionate about new media’s transformative power. She enjoys reading, traveling, and meaningful conversations.