Togolese Foreign Minister Robert Dussey has rejected reports that more than 300 members of Africa Corps are present in Togo, saying the Russian presence is limited to trainers involved in the use of military equipment.
“I am telling you that this is false,” he said in an interview with France 24, adding that there were “no Russian military personnel or Russian paramilitaries in Togo.”
The minister nevertheless acknowledged the presence of Russian instructors linked to the acquisition of foreign military equipment.
“When you buy a French helicopter, an American helicopter, a Chinese helicopter or a Russian helicopter, of course trainers come to train our defence and security forces,” he explained, referring in particular to pilot training.
Dussey also recalled that diplomatic relations between Togo and the Soviet Union date back to May 1, 1960, a few days after the country proclaimed independence on April 27 of the same year.
He added that Lomé works with “all the major powers”, notably the United States, Russia, France and China, as part of its efforts to diversify its partnerships.
AC/lb/as/APA