Togo’s president in Kyrgyzstan: a shadow diplomacy ignoring national economic urgency

While citizens across Togo anxiously await relief from soaring living costs and persistent power outages, Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, the President of the Council, embarked on a journey to the snow-capped peaks of Kyrgyzstan. This expedition, far from being merely exotic, has stirred a profound sense of national bewilderment. Amidst veiled geopolitical maneuvering and a noticeable absence of tangible outcomes, this Central Asian sojourn appears less like a visionary strategy and more like an impulsive geopolitical gambit.

A stark contrast: an out-of-touch visit

In Lomé, the populace yearns for solutions to pressing issues concerning electricity supply, healthcare access, and employment opportunities. Meanwhile, in Bishkek, the focus was on formal handshakes and diplomatic protocols. The disparity in priorities is striking. Kyrgyzstan, a landlocked nation of seven million, possesses neither the financial reserves of Dubai, the natural gas wealth of Qatar, nor the technological prowess of Silicon Valley.

Consequently, a crucial question arises: what precisely was Faure Gnassingbé seeking in a country most Togolese were unaware of until recently? With no significant contracts announced or direct investments secured, this trip feels like a considerable and mysterious expense for taxpayers.

The russian ‘side entrance’: a high-stakes gamble

For seasoned analysts, the true objective wasn’t Kyrgyzstan itself, but rather Moscow. By aligning with members of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), Lomé appears to be attempting to gain access to Vladimir Putin’s sphere of influence through an unconventional route.

This assertive diversification sends a clear message to Western nations. Yet, at what cost? By engaging in the complex global arena of international tensions, Togo risks alienating its traditional partners in pursuit of Eurasian promises that remain largely undefined.

“The real question isn’t the destination, but the direction it signals,” is a sentiment whispered among diplomatic circles. And that direction seems increasingly detached from the immediate concerns of the Togolese people.

Minor technical gains for a struggling populace

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