Interview with Prof. Robert Dussey, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration, and Togolese Abroad

1.  Good morning, Minister! It has now become a tradition to review with you the achievements of Togo’s diplomatic activities for the year coming to an end. What were the main focuses of Togo’s diplomatic efforts in 2024?

Thank you for your interest and the special attention you give to Togolese diplomacy, not only to its achievements but also to its challenges.

From a global geopolitical perspective, 2024 has been a challenging year marked by persistent hotspots of tension, political and security instability in many countries, and uncertainties surrounding the future of multilateralism. However, amidst this turmoil, Togo once again managed to position itself as a key player whose voice matters. This success is attributable to the strategic orientations of the Head of State, His Excellency Mr. Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, which include: a commitment to peace in Africa and worldwide, a dedication to promoting a fairer and more equitable multilateralism serving the people, pan-Africanism, addressing historical injustices against African peoples, and mobilizing diasporas and Afro-descendants for the development and integration of Africa.

2. …Indeed, Minister! Togo has gained a reputation for its mediation efforts. The most recent achievement was the release of two Ivorian gendarmes. Before the announcement from the Ivorian presidency, no details of this mediation were disclosed. Can you tell us more?

Togo is pleased with the release, on November 29, of the two Ivorian gendarmes who were apprehended on September 19, 2023, in Burkina Faso, thanks to mediation by His Excellency Mr. Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, President of the Republic. This release highlights the triumph of dialogue and negotiation in a regional context marked by significant disruptions and multifaceted challenges. 

This positive outcome also underscores the ability of the Republic of Faso and the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire to work towards preserving their historical ties of fraternity and good neighborliness. It reflects their commitment to peaceful and diplomatic mechanisms for managing and resolving inter-state disputes and international conflicts. 

I commend the openness and efforts of His Excellency Mr. Alassane Ouattara, President of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, and His Excellency Captain Ibrahim Traoré, President of the Republic of Faso, which enabled the resolution of this dispute and led to an outcome that serves the interests of the two brotherly nations.

It is with its unwavering commitment to peace that Togo launched, on November 28, the Global Peace and Security Alliance (GPSA) initiative. This initiative aims to serve as a unifying framework fostering dialogue among various platforms and forums dedicated to global peace and security. It is part of the Lomé Peace and Security Forum (LPSF), which was established a year ago.

Togo’s expertise in mediation and conflict management, as well as its dedication to peace, are now recognized worldwide. This recognition led to my invitation on August 22 to deliver a lecture at Sophia University in Japan on peace and security in Africa and Togo’s mediation efforts in the Sahel. I also participated in a panel during the 4th Aswan Forum on the theme “Africa in a Changing World: Reimagining Global Governance for Peace and Development,” held on July 2-3, 2024, in Cairo, Egypt.

In addition, I attended the 2024 edition of the Munich Security Conference (MSC) in February, which brings together high-level decision-makers and thought leaders from around the world to discuss the most pressing international security issues. I also took part in the meeting of Foreign Ministers of the Global Coalition against Daesh, held in Washington, D.C., this past September.

3.  Although postponed, preparations for the 9th Pan-African Congress, which was scheduled to take place in Lomé from October 29 to November 2, 2024, have occupied a significant part of your agenda. What explains this postponement, and why is this Congress important for Togo and Africa?

The mobilization of the African diaspora and Afro-descendants to reconnect with the continent is one of the key pillars of Togolese diplomacy. Whether at the national level or within the African Union, Togo spares no effort in this regard. This commitment led to the 2021 decision by the African Union’s Assembly of Heads of State and Government to declare the Decade of African Roots and Diasporas (2021–2031)—an initiative spearheaded by Togo. In recognition of Togo’s leadership on this issue, the presidency of the High Committee responsible for the agenda of this Decade was entrusted to the country.

The 9th Pan-African Congress in Lomé is envisioned as a privileged platform for Africans living on the continent, as well as those in the diaspora and Afro-descendants, to reflect on their human, political, cultural, social, and societal future in an increasingly unstable world. This Congress is a flagship activity of the Decade’s agenda. Through this event, African nations must define what they want and can achieve for themselves and by themselves, alongside other major players in the global economy and international political arena. As Axelle Kabou aptly states, “African underdevelopment begins with the underdevelopment of self-perception and understanding of the outside world, along with the stagnation of mentalities.” We must break free from stagnation and transform the way we see ourselves.

The six regional pre-congresses held in Bamako (West Africa), Rabat (North Africa), Dar es Salaam (East Africa), Pretoria (Southern Africa), Brazzaville (Central Africa), and Salvador de Bahia in Brazil (representing the diaspora as the African Union’s 6th region) were highly successful and generated valuable recommendations. The postponement of the 9th Congress was due to logistical challenges, including the exponential number of participants registered just days after the accreditation platform was launched. Moreover, it was essential to incorporate the significant contributions of all stakeholders to ensure an inclusive and successful organization. This postponement is merely a step back to better move forward.

4. Clearly, Togo’s efforts to revive Pan-Africanism and reconnect Afro-descendants go beyond the preparations for the 9th Congress…!

You are absolutely right. As I mentioned earlier, mobilizing Afro-descendants to reconnect with the continent is one of Togo’s priorities.

For example, at UNESCO, Togo initiated the first-ever celebration of the World Day of African and Afro-descendant Culture (JMCA), established by a resolution adopted during the 40th session of UNESCO’s General Conference. This resolution was introduced by our country. The goal is to build a bridge between Africa and the Caribbean and Latin American countries, which, due to the course of history, are home to communities of Afro-descendants who carry and enrich African culture. It is vital to highlight the cultural bridge that exists between Africa and these Afro-descendant communities worldwide, in the spirit of Kwame Nkrumah, who said: “I am not African because I was born in Africa, but because Africa was born in me.”

Our participation in the 10th Global Forum of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), held in late November in Cascais, Portugal, under the theme “United in Peace: Restoring Trust, Rebuilding the Future,” provided us with an opportunity to highlight the contributions of civilizations, including African ones, to peace and human progress.

Likewise, on December 8-9, 2024, at the invitation of my counterpart, Mr. Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla, I paid an official visit to Havana, Cuba, where I participated in the Conference on the International Decade for People of African Descent under the theme “Decade of Afro-descendants: Equality-Equity-Social Justice.” It is worth noting that the International Decade for People of African Descent was proclaimed on December 23, 2013, by the United Nations to promote the rights of people of African descent and combat the racism and discrimination they face. Fighting against racism and discrimination entails addressing the historical injustices suffered by African and Afro-descendant populations.

In this effort to mobilize diasporas, we have not overlooked the Togolese diaspora. I made it a point to meet with Togolese nationals living in the countries I visited. These moments provide an opportunity to listen to their concerns and address them as much as possible. Measures have been taken to offer support and protection to Togolese in distress abroad, though for obvious reasons, I cannot go into detail here. However, I am pleased about the repatriation of 131 compatriots, including 28 children and 15 babies, from Libya in October, as well as 23 migrants repatriated from Equatorial Guinea.

Taking into account the grievances of Togolese abroad, a working group has been established to review and harmonize the tariffs and formats of consular documents.

Evaluating our public policies is a crucial aspect of our pursuit of effectiveness and efficiency. For this reason, two decades after the national conference on the Togolese diaspora, it was necessary to assess the implementation of the recommendations that emerged from it. With the support of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), a workshop was held from December 5 to 7, 2024, bringing together all stakeholders to evaluate the actions and measures taken to mobilize and engage Togolese abroad for Togo’s development.

5.  Professor Dussey, you have been particularly proactive in strengthening Togo’s bilateral relations. What actions have you and your services undertaken in 2024?

No country has developed solely from its endogenous potential, let alone from foreign aid. It requires a careful balance of both. Our ambition is to establish reliable partnerships based on mutually beneficial cooperation to realize the flagship projects of the Togo 2025 Government Roadmap. This entails not only expanding Togo’s diplomatic network but also diversifying its partners.

I am pleased to announce the opening this year of a Togolese embassy in Doha, Qatar, one of the Middle Eastern countries with a rapidly growing economy. Togo has also signed agreements to establish diplomatic relations with Uzbekistan and The Bahamas, as well as visa exemption agreements with South Africa, Serbia, and India for holders of diplomatic and service passports, and with São Tomé and Príncipe for all passport types.

A country’s attractiveness is also reflected in the number of official visits it receives. In this regard, 2024 began with the visit of China’s Foreign Minister, Mr. Wang Yi, to Lomé on January 16-17. This visit provided an opportunity for both parties to reaffirm their commitment to strengthening cooperation in areas such as poverty alleviation, agricultural transformation, food security, industrialization, technology and artificial intelligence, infrastructure, and security.

As part of the excellent relations between China and Togo, the Head of State, accompanied by a significant delegation, participated in the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) on September 5-6, 2024. This event, focused on strengthening ties between China and African countries, is part of a series of discussions aimed at promoting strategic partnerships and sustainable development.

In late March, it was the turn of Mr. Xavier Bettel, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Cooperation and Humanitarian Action of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, to make a working visit to our capital. This visit culminated in the signing of a letter of intent between the two countries aimed at strengthening our development cooperation relations.

The scope of our partners expanded to include Barbados, whose Minister of Economy and Investment, Mr. Chad Blackman, visited our country from May 15 to 18. Another significant partner is Brazil, whose Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Mauro Vieira, conducted a working visit to Lomé from July 18 to 19, 2024. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1972, Togo and Brazil have maintained very strong cooperative ties. Togo was also honored by the visit of Mr. Gareth Haddad do Espiritu Santo Guadalupe, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation, and Communities of São Tomé and Príncipe, on June 18, 2024, and by that of Mr. Yusuf Tuggar, then Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, on November 5, 2024. Discussions during these visits focused on bilateral cooperation and sub-regional concerns.

Political consultations between Togo and India, held in Lomé on June 27–28, 2024, resulted in agreements on new areas of cooperation. Notably, India supports Togo in electrifying 500 rural communities with photovoltaic solar systems.

Togo-Armenia political consultations were held from July 29 to 31, 2024, in Yerevan, to outline new avenues for cooperation between the two countries. Additionally, on November 9–10, we participated in Sochi at the first Ministerial Conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum, which laid the groundwork for a new framework of cooperation between Russia and African states. On the sidelines of the event, I met with my Russian counterpart, Mr. Sergey Lavrov, to review cooperation areas between Russia and Togo, which will be closely followed, especially with the opening of a Russian embassy in Lomé in 2025.

Likewise, the Italy-Africa Summit, held in Rome at the beginning of the year, marked the beginning of a new era of cooperation between Africa and Italy, particularly in the energy sector.

With Japan, our cooperation has enabled Togo to benefit from the Kennedy Round (KR) program. During my participation in the ministerial meeting of TICAD-9, I had an audience with Ms. Kamikawa Yoko, Japan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, to discuss strengthening cooperation between Togo and Japan.

I often take advantage of my participation in international events to meet with counterparts or partners to discuss topics of common interest. This was the case with my counterparts from Algeria and Portugal on the sidelines of the Global Forum of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations. Similarly, during the Conference on the International Decade for People of African Descent, I was received in audience by the Vice President of the Republic of Cuba, His Excellency Salvador Valdés Mesa, to whom I conveyed the greetings of the Togolese Head of State, His Excellency Mr. Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé. I also held discussions with my Cuban counterpart and Mr. Alpidio Alonso Grau, Cuba’s Minister of Culture.

While in Berlin, I had a fruitful meeting with Germany’s Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), Ms. Svenja Schulze, on the next steps in our cooperation, which continues to focus on essential sectors such as health, education, agriculture, decentralization, and good governance.

During the Munich Security Conference, I held discussions with my counterparts Luminita Odobescu from Romania, Mariya Gabriel from Bulgaria, and Hakan Fidan from Turkey, among others.

6.  I commend your dynamism in mobilizing Togo’s bilateral partners. What about our multilateral efforts?

It is no secret that Togo is a staunch advocate of African integration. Beyond our active participation in the bodies of the African Union and sub-regional general or specialized organizations to which our country belongs, we work tirelessly to break down all barriers hindering the integration of peoples. This commitment is exemplified by our annual African Integration Week, which aims to strengthen the bonds of friendship and coexistence between the Togolese people and foreign communities living in our country. Launched on May 8, the 2024 edition was a vibrant celebration where these communities showcased the unique cultural aspects of their countries of origin with remarkable creativity.

We have also been particularly active within ECOWAS, which, recognizing the commitment and mediation skills of the President of the Republic, entrusted him with the mission of facilitating dialogue between the organization and the three Sahelian states (Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger) that have expressed their intention to leave the bloc.

Moreover, our participation in the 19th Francophonie Summit, held on October 4-5 in Paris under the theme “Create, Innovate, and Undertake in French,” was an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to the ideals promoted by this organization, not only culturally but also in terms of social inclusion, good governance, and democracy.

As for the Commonwealth, even though our membership is recent, dating back to 2022, Togo has been highly active and leverages all opportunities offered by the organization. The participation of the Prime Minister, Ms. Victoire Tomegah-Dogbé, in the latest Commonwealth Summit held in October in Samoa, as well as her attendance in London on December 5, 2024, at the high-level investors’ roundtable on Togo, are clear illustrations. This initiative, organized by the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC), aims to promote trade with Togo’s private sector and attract foreign investments to the country.

I would also like to highlight the visit of Ms. Patricia Scotland, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, to Lomé from July 15 to 18. This visit, aimed at strengthening cooperation between the institution and our country, provided an opportunity to assess Togo’s development challenges and the Commonwealth’s support in areas such as economic development, institutional capacity-building, and youth empowerment.

cannot conclude this point without mentioning Togo’s participation in the Summit of the Future, held in New York on the sidelines of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly. One of the summit’s objectives was to forge a new international consensus on how to improve the present and safeguard the future.

This unique gathering provided an opportunity to rebuild trust between states and international institutions and to demonstrate that international cooperation can effectively address both current and future challenges.

The President of the Republic, His Excellency Mr. Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, delivered a substantive speech during the event. He highlighted Togo’s efforts to build a strong state, emphasizing that such a state must be at the center of all development aid policies, which are often disconnected from the real needs and aspirations of the people.

“We believe that by working together in a spirit of solidarity and mutual respect, we will be able to overcome the challenges of our time and offer our children a fairer, more prosperous, and more sustainable world,” he underlined.

7.  To achieve these accomplishments, you must have relied on a competent and dedicated staff. You place a particular emphasis on strengthening the capacities of diplomats. Was this the motivation behind organizing the conference of Togo’s ambassadors and chargés d’affaires?

Absolutely! Initiated by the President of the Republic, the diplomatic conference of Togo’s ambassadors and chargés d’affaires, held in Lomé on August 5-6, 2024, aimed to foster a shared understanding of national and international political issues to enhance the effectiveness of Togo’s diplomatic missions and consular posts. The conference provided a platform to engage Togo’s representatives abroad on several key topics, including the Constitution of the Fifth Republic, the implementation of the Government Roadmap, the emergency program to strengthen the resilience of populations in the Savanes region, optimizing the diaspora’s contribution to national development, the 9th Pan-African Congress in Lomé, financial and accounting management of embassies, and the new visa procedures for Togo.

The conference also informed the heads of Togo’s foreign missions about substantial reforms introduced by the new Constitution, which require a fundamental adaptation of Togo’s diplomatic approach.

On the sidelines of the conference, participants conducted field visits on August 3, 2024, notably to the Nioupourma camp, where the Koundjoaré operational force is stationed to contain the jihadist threat in the northern part of the country. They also visited Mandouri, in the Kpendjal prefecture, where they had the opportunity to engage directly with local populations who are on the front line of the fight against terrorism. These visits allowed the diplomats to better understand the realities on the ground and the security challenges facing the country.

We instructed them to work towards a more pragmatic, bold, and confident Togolese diplomacy.

8.  Minister, what would your final words be to conclude our interview?

My final words are an invitation to the entire Togolese people to pray and ask God to grant the President of the Republic, His Excellency Mr. Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, health, grace, protection, and blessings for the year 2025 so that he may continue his work of transforming our country and guiding our nation towards an even brighter future.

I also extend my wishes for health, happiness, and success to the Prime Minister, Ms. Victoire Tomegah-Dogbé, in all her endeavors for the benefit of our country. These wishes extend to all my colleagues in the Government as well as Togo’s partners.

To the staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration, and Togolese Abroad, I wish health, inner peace, and success in all their initiatives, while encouraging them to show greater dedication and selflessness in their work.

To everyone, I would like to recall Helen Keller’s words: “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.” Let us have the courage to live the life we dream of.

Happy New Year 2025!

Thank you very much! 😊