Kremlin: Faure Gnassingbé Proposes Three Pillars to Boost Russia-Africa Cooperation
(@HAM Morocco) – « The strength of a partnership is measured by what it enables us to build, the freedom it grants each party to choose its own future, the peace it helps to preserve, and the opportunities it creates for generations to come, » declared Faure Gnassingbé, President of the Council [of Togo], during the first plenary session of the third Russia-Africa Summit in 2026.
Faure Gnassingbé, President of the Council of Togo—joining other African heads of state and government—participated in this year’s third Russia-Africa Summit. On Thursday, October 29, he attended the first plenary session of the summit, held at the Grand Kremlin Palace in Moscow.
The Togolese leader arrived at this meeting between Vladimir Putin and African heads of state with concrete proposals aimed at strengthening cooperation between African nations and Russia. Faure Gnassingbé’s address focused on three key areas: sovereignty, peace and stability, and the economic transformation of the continent.
Regarding sovereignty, Faure Gnassingbé emphasized the right of African states to define their own priorities, to freely choose their partners, and to possess the necessary means to realize their ambitions. He also advocated for greater participation by the African continent in international decision-making processes that shape its future.
« Sovereignty truly takes on its full meaning when it allows a people to determine their own path and provides them with the means to pursue it, » Faure Gnassingbé stated, calling for a relationship built on mutual respect and trust.
Peace and Stability: Pillars of the New Partnership
The second focus area concerns peace and stability, which are considered essential prerequisites for Africa’s development. Highlighting the impact of conflicts on populations, economic activities, and job prospects for young people, the President of the Council called for strengthening the capacity of states to protect their citizens.
He also encouraged support for African-led initiatives aimed at preventing and resolving crises.
Prioritizing Economic Transformation
Before concluding his remarks, Faure Gnassingbé emphasized the importance of transforming African economies within the framework of Russia-Africa cooperation. He advocated for a partnership that better addresses the needs of the people, particularly in the areas of food, energy, and employment.
« Our populations rightfully expect concrete results: accessible food, reliable energy, jobs, and prospects for their children, » the Togolese leader stressed.
According to Faure Gnassingbé, agriculture, energy, and infrastructure are among the priority sectors for achieving these goals. He further underscored the need to bolster production capacity, foster the local processing of resources, and improve connectivity between regions and markets.
Through these three focus areas, the Togolese head of government aims to steer Russia-Africa cooperation in a new direction—one that delivers lasting benefits for the people of both Russia and the African continent.
Ferdinand GADE
