TOGO A WEST AFRICAN

NATION IN GULF OF GUINEA

 Togo
This information is only For private uses, of president of ​Togo​.

Togolese Republic
République togolaise​ (​French​)

Flag

Emblem

Motto: "Travail, Liberté, Patrie"​[1]

(​French​)
"Work, Liberty, Homeland"

Anthem: "​Terre de nos aïeux​"

(French)

(English: "Land of our ancestors")

MENU
0:00
Location of Togo (dark blue)
in the ​African Union​ (light blue)

Capital Lomé
and largest 6°8′N 1°13′E
city Coordinates​:
6°8′N 1°13′E

Official French​ • ​Yoruba

languages
Recognise Ewe​ • ​Kabiye
d national
languages

Ethnic 99% ​Ewe​, ​Kabye​,

groups ​ ourma​, and
Tem​, G
33 other African
groups
1% European,
Indian &
Syro-Lebanese​[2]
Demonym( Togolese
s)

Governmen Unitary
t dominant-party
presidential
republic

• Faure Gnassingbé
President
• ​Prime Komi Sélom
Minister Klassou

Legislature National Assembly

Independence

• from 27 April 1960

France

Area
• Total 56,785 km​2​ (21,925
sq mi) (​123rd​)
• Water 4.2
(%)

Population
• 2020 8,608,444​[2]​ (​100th​)
estimate
 • 2010 6,191,155
census
• Density 125.9/km​2​ (326.1/sq
mi) (​93rd​e​)

GDP​ ​(​PPP​) 2019 estimate

• Total $14.919 billion
• Per $1,821​[3]
capita

GDP 2019 estimate

(nominal)
• Total $5.592 billion
• Per $682​[3]
capita

Gini​ ​(2011) 46​[4]

high

HDI​ ​(2018) 0.513​[5]

low · ​167th

Currency West African CFA

franc​ (​XOF​)

Time zone UTC​ (​GMT​)

Driving right
side
 Calling +228
code

ISO 3166 TG
code

Internet .tg
TLD

a. Such as ​Ewe​, ​Mina​ and ​Aja​.

b. Largest are the ​Ewe​, Mina,
Kotokoli Tem​ and K ​ abyè​.
c. Mostly European, Indian &
Syrian-Lebanese.
d. Estimates for this country
explicitly take into account
the effects of excess
mortality due to AIDS; this
can result in lower life
expectancy, higher infant
mortality and death rates,
lower population and
growth rates, and changes
in the distribution of
population by age and sex
than would otherwise be
expected.
e. Rankings based on 2017
figures (​CIA World
Factbook​ – "Togo"​)

Togo (​/ˈtoʊɡoʊ/​ ( listen​)), officially the Togolese Republic (​French​:

République togolaise)​ , is a country in ​West Africa​ bordered by ​Ghana
to ​the west​, ​Benin​ to ​the east​ and ​Burkina Faso​ to ​the north​. The
country​ extends south to the ​Gulf of Guinea​, where its ​capital​ ​Lomé​ is
located. Togo covers 57,000 square kilometres (22,008 square miles),
making it one of the smallest countries in Africa, with a population of
approximately 7.9 million, as well as one of the narrowest countries in
the world with a width of less than 115 km (71 mi) between Ghana and
its slightly larger eastern neighbor, Benin.​[6]​[7]

From the 11th to the 16th century, various tribes entered the region
from all directions. From the 16th century to the 18th century, the
coastal region was a major trading center for Europeans to purchase
slaves, earning Togo and the surrounding region the name "The ​Slave
Coast​". In 1884, ​Germany​ declared a region including present-day
Togo as a protectorate called ​Togoland​. After ​World War I​, rule over
Togo was transferred to ​France​. Togo gained its independence from
France in 1960.​[2]​ In 1967, ​Gnassingbé Eyadéma​ led a successful
military coup d'état after which he became president of an
anti-communist, single-party state. Eventually, in 1993, Eyadéma
faced multiparty elections, which were marred by irregularities, and
won the presidency three times. At the time of his death, Eyadéma
was the longest-serving leader in modern African history, having
been president for 38 years.​[8]​ In 2005, his son ​Faure Gnassingbé​ was
elected president.
Togo is a ​tropical​, ​sub-Saharan​ nation, whose economy depends
highly on ​agriculture​, with a ​climate​ that provides good growing
seasons. While the official language is French, many other languages
are spoken, particularly those of the ​Gbe family​. The largest ​religious
group​ consists of those with indigenous beliefs, and there are
significant ​Christian​ and ​Muslim​ minorities. Togo is a member of the
United Nations​, ​African Union​, ​Organisation of Islamic Cooperation​,
South Atlantic Peace and Cooperation Zone​, ​Francophonie​, and
Economic Community of West African States​.

Contents

1
History
1.1
Before colonization (pre-1884)

1.2
Colonial era (1884–1960)

1.3
Independence to present day (1960–present)

2
Geography
2.1
Climate

2.2
Flora and fauna
3
Government
3.1
Administrative divisions

3.2
Foreign relations

3.3
Military

3.4
Human rights record

4
Economy
4.1
Agriculture

4.2
Mining

5
Demographics
5.1
Largest cities

5.2
Ethnic groups

5.3
Religion
 5.4
Languages

6
Health

7
Education

8
Culture
8.1
Sports
8.1.1
Olympics

8.1.2
Football

8.1.3
Basketball

8.2
Media

8.3
Celebrations

9
See also

10
 References

11
Further reading

12
External links

History​[​edit​]
Main article: ​History of Togo

Before colonization (pre-1884)​[​edit​]

Archaeological finds indicate that ancient tribes were able to produce

pottery​ and process ​iron​. The name Togo is translated from the ​Ewe
language​ as "land where lagoons lie". Not much is known of the
period before arrival of the ​Portuguese​ in 1490. During the period
from the 11th century to the 16th century, various tribes entered the
region from all directions: the ​Ewé​ from the west, and the ​Mina​ and
Gun​ from the east. Most of them settled in coastal areas.

The ​slave trade​ began in the 16th century, and for the next two
hundred years the coastal region was a major trading centre for
Europeans in search of slaves, earning Togo and the surrounding
region the name "The ​Slave Coast​".

Colonial era (1884–1960)​[​edit​]

Main articles: ​Togoland,​ ​British Togoland​, and F
​ rench Togoland
Togoland (​R. Hellgrewe​, 1908)

In 1884, a paper was signed at ​Togoville​ with the King Mlapa III,
whereby Germany claimed a ​protectorate​ over a stretch of territory
along the coast and gradually extended its control inland. Its borders
were defined after the capture of hinterland by German forces and
signing agreements with France and Britain. In 1905, this became the
German colony​ of ​Togoland​. The local population was forced to work,
cultivate cotton, coffee and cocoa and pay high taxes. A railway and
the port of ​Lomé​ were built for export of agricultural products. The
Germans introduced modern techniques of cultivation of ​cocoa​,
coffee​ and ​cotton​ and developed the infrastructure.

During the ​First World War​, Togoland was invaded by ​Britain​ and
France​, proclaiming the Anglo-French condominium. On 7 December
1916, the condominium collapsed and Togo was divided into British
and French zones. 20 July 1922 Great Britain received the ​League of
Nations​ mandate to govern the western part of Togo and France to
govern the eastern part. In 1945, the country received the right to
send three representatives to the French parliament.

After ​World War II​, these mandates became ​UN Trust Territories​. The
residents of ​British Togoland​ ​voted​ to join the ​Gold Coast​ as part of
the new independent nation of ​Ghana​ in 1957. ​French Togoland
became an autonomous republic within the ​French Union​ in 1959,
while France retained the right to control the defense, foreign
relations and finances.

Independence to present day (1960–present)​[​edit​]

Sylvanus Olympio

The Togolese Republic was proclaimed on 27 April 1960. In the ​first

presidential elections​ in 1961, ​Sylvanus Olympio​ became the first
president, gaining 100% of the vote in elections boycotted by the
opposition. On 9 April 1961, the Constitution of the Togolese Republic
was adopted, according to which the supreme legislative body was
the ​National Assembly of Togo​.[9]
​

In December 1961, leaders of opposition parties were arrested

because they were accused of the preparation of an anti-government
conspiracy. A decree was issued on the dissolution of the opposition
parties. Olympio tried to reduce dependence on France by
establishing cooperation with the ​United States​, ​United Kingdom​, and
West Germany​. He also rejected efforts of French soldiers who were
demobilized after the ​Algerian War​ and tried to get a position in the
Togolese army. These factors eventually led to a military coup on 13
January 1963, during which he was ​assassinated​ by a group of
soldiers under the direction of Sergeant ​Gnassingbé Eyadéma​.[10]​
​ A
State of emergency was declared in Togo.

The military handed over power to an interim government led by

Nicolas Grunitzky​. In May 1963, Grunitzky was ​elected​ President of
the Republic. The new leadership pursued a policy of developing
relations with France. His main aim was to dampen the divisions
between north and south, promulgate a new constitution, and
introduce a multiparty system.

Exactly four years later, on 13 January 1967, Eyadéma Gnassingbé

overthrew Grunitzky in a bloodless coup and assumed the
presidency. He created the ​Rally of the Togolese People Party​,
banned activities of other political parties and introduced a one-party
system in November 1969. He was reelected in ​1979​ and ​1986​. In 1983,
the ​privatization​ program launched and in 1991 other political parties
were allowed. In 1993, the EU froze the partnership, describing
Eyadema's re-election in ​1993​, ​1998​ and ​2003​, as a seizure of power.
In April 2004, in Brussels, talks were held between the ​European
Union​ and Togo on the resumption of cooperation.

The ​2017–18 Togolese protests​ against the 50-year-rule of the

Gnassingbé family

Eyadéma Gnassingbé suddenly died on 5 February 2005, after 38

years in power, the longest rule of any dictator in Africa. The military's
immediate installation of his son, ​Faure Gnassingbé​, as president
provoked widespread international condemnation, except from
France. Some democratically elected African leaders such as
Abdoulaye Wade​ of ​Senegal​ and ​Olusegun Obasanjo​ of ​Nigeria
supported the move, thereby creating a rift within the ​African
​
Union​.[11]

Gnassingbé left power and held elections, which he won two months
later. The opposition declared that the election results were
fraudulent. The events of 2005 led to questions regarding the
government's commitment to ​democracy​ that had been made in an
attempt to normalize relations with the ​EU​, which cut off ​aid​ in 1993
due to questions about Togo's human rights situation. In addition, up
to 400 people were killed in the violence surrounding the presidential
elections, according to the ​UN​. Around 40,000 Togolese fled to
neighboring countries. Gnassingbé was reelected in ​2010​ and ​2015​.

In late 2017, ​anti-government protests​ erupted in Togo, the biggest

since those after the ​2005 election​. Protesters demanded the
resignation of Gnassingbé, who is part of a family they alleged has
been in power too long. The UN condemned the resulting crackdown
by Togolese security forces, and ​Gambia's​ foreign minister, ​Ousainou
Darboe​, had to issue a correction after saying that Gnassingbé should
resign.​[12]

In the February 2020, presidential elections, ​Faure Gnassingbé​ won

his fourth presidential term in office as the President of Togo.​[13]
According to the official result, he won with a margin of around 72%
of the vote share. This enabled him to defeat his closest challenger,
the former prime minister ​Agbeyome Kodjo​ who had 18%.​[14]

Geography​[​edit​]
​ eography of Togo
Main article: G
 Ghana-Togo ​topography​−​topographic map

Map of Togo

Togo has an area equal to 56,785 km​2​ (21,925 sq mi) and is one of the
smallest countries in Africa. It borders the ​Bight of Benin​ in the south;
Ghana​ lies to the west; ​Benin​ to the east; and to the north, Togo is
bound by ​Burkina Faso​. Togo lies mostly between latitudes ​6°​ and
11°N​, and longitudes ​0°​ and ​2°E​.

The coast of Togo in the ​Gulf of Guinea​ is 56 km long and consists of

lagoons with sandy beaches. In the north, the land is characterized by
a gently rolling ​savanna​ in contrast to the center of the country, which
is characterized by hills. The south of Togo is characterized by a
savanna and woodland plateau​ which reaches to a coastal plain with
extensive lagoons and marshes.

The highest ​mountain​ of the country is the ​Mont Agou​ at 986 m above
sea level. The longest ​river​ is the ​Mono River​ with a length of 400 km.
It runs from north to south.

Climate​[​edit​]
​ limate of Togo
Main article: C

The climate is generally tropical with average temperatures ranging

from 23 °C (73 °F) on the coast to about 30 °C (86 °F) in the
northernmost regions, with a dry climate and characteristics of a
tropical savanna​. To the south, there are two seasons of rain (the first
between April and July and the second between September and
November), even though the average rainfall is not very high.​[​citation
needed​]

Flora and fauna​[​edit​]

The coast of Togo is characterized by ​marshes​ and ​mangroves​. High

human population growth is leading to rapid ​deforestation​,
endangering many species. At least four parks and reserves have
been established: ​Abdoulaye Faunal Reserve​, ​Fazao Malfakassa
National Park​, ​Fosse aux Lions National Park​, ​Koutammouko​, and
Kéran National Park​. The most frequently observed animals are
giraffes​, ​cape buffalo​, ​hyenas​, and ​lions​. Few elephants remain.
Common ​birds​ are ​storks​, ​cranes​ and ​marabou​.

Government​[​edit​]
​ olitics of Togo
Main article: P

Current president of Togo ​Faure Gnassingbé​ since 2005

Gnassingbé Eyadéma​ ruled Togo from 1967 until his death in 2005
The President is elected by universal and direct suffrage for 5 years.
He is also the commander of the ​armed forces​ and has the right to
initiate legislation and dissolve ​parliament​. Executive power is
exercised by the president and the government. The head of
government is the Prime Minister, who is appointed by the president.

Togo's transition to democracy is stalled. Its democratic institutions

remain nascent and fragile. President ​Gnassingbé Eyadéma​, who
ruled Togo under a one-party system, died of a heart attack on 5
February 2005. Gravely ill, he was being transported by plane to a
foreign country for care. He died in transit while over Tunisia. Under
the Togolese Constitution, the President of the Parliament, ​Fambaré
Ouattara Natchaba​, should have become President of the country,
pending a new presidential election to be called within sixty days.
Natchaba was out of the country, returning on an Air France plane
from Paris.​[15]

The Togolese army, known as Forces Armées Togolaises (FAT), or

Togolese Armed Forces​, closed the nation's borders, forcing the
plane to land in nearby Benin. With an engineered power vacuum, the
Parliament voted to remove the constitutional clause that would have
required an election within sixty days, and declared that Eyadema's
son, ​Faure Gnassingbé​, would inherit the presidency and hold office
for the rest of his father's term.​[15]​ Faure was sworn in on 7 February
2005, despite international criticism of the succession.​[16]
The African Union described the takeover as a military ​coup d'état​.[17]
​
International pressure came also from the ​United Nations​. Within
Togo, opposition to the takeover culminated in riots in which several
hundred died. There were uprisings in many cities and towns, mainly
located in the southern part of the country. In the town of ​Aného
reports of a general civilian uprising followed by a large scale
massacre by government troops went largely unreported. In
response, Faure Gnassingbé agreed to hold ​elections​ and on 25
February, Gnassingbé resigned as president, but soon afterward
accepted the nomination to run for the office in April.​[18]

On 24 April 2005, Gnassingbé was elected President of Togo,

receiving over 60% of the vote according to official results. His main
rival in the race had been ​Emmanuel Bob-Akitani​ from the ​Union des
Forces du Changement​ (UFC) or ​Union of Forces for Change​.
However, electoral fraud was suspected, due to a lack of European
Union or other independent oversight.​[19]​ Parliament designated
Deputy President, ​Bonfoh Abbass​, as interim president until the
inauguration.​[18]​ On 3 May 2005, ​Faure Gnassingbé​ was sworn in as
the new president and the European Union suspended aid to Togo in
support of the opposition claims, unlike the African Union and the
United States which declared the vote "reasonably fair." The Nigerian
president and Chair of the AU, ​Olusẹgun Ọbasanjọ, sought to
negotiate between the incumbent government and the opposition to
establish a coalition government, but rejected an AU Commission
appointment of former ​Zambian​ president, ​Kenneth Kaunda​, as
special AU envoy to Togo.​[20]​[21]​ In June, President Gnassingbé named
opposition leader ​Edem Kodjo​ as the prime minister.

In October 2007, after several postponements, elections were held

under proportional representation. This allowed the less populated
north to seat as many MPs as the more populated south. The
president-backed party ​Rally of the Togolese People​ (RPT) won
outright majority with the UFC coming second and the other parties
claiming inconsequential representation. Again vote rigging
accusations were leveled at the RPT supported by the civil and
military security apparatus. Despite the presence of an EU observer
mission, canceled ballots and illegal voting took place, the majority of
which in RPT strongholds. The election was declared fair by the
international community and praised as a model with little
intimidation and few violent acts for the first time since a multiparty
system was reinstated. On 3 December 2007 ​Komlan Mally​ of the RPT
was appointed to prime minister succeeding Agboyibor. However, on
5 September 2008, after only 10 months in office, Mally resigned as
prime minister of Togo.

Faure Gnassingbé​ won re-election in the March 2010 presidential

election, taking 61% of the vote against ​Jean-Pierre Fabre​ from the
UFC, who had been backed by an opposition coalition called FRAC
(Republican Front for Change).​[22]​ Though the March 2010 election
was largely peaceful, electoral observers noted "procedural errors"
and technical problems, and the opposition did not recognize the
results, claiming irregularities had affected the outcome.​[23]​[24]​ Periodic
protests against Faure Gnassingbé​ followed the election.​[25]​ In May
2010, long-time opposition leader ​Gilchrist Olympio​ announced that
he would enter into a power-sharing deal with the government, a
coalition arrangement which provides the UFC with eight ministerial
posts.​[26]​[27]​ In June 2012, electoral reforms prompted protesters to
take to the street in Lomé for several days; protesters sought a return
to the 1992 constitution that would re-establish presidential term
limits.​[28]​ July 2012, saw the surprise resignation of the prime minister,
Gilbert Houngbo.​[29]​ Days later, the commerce minister, Kwesi
Ahoomey-Zunu, was named to lead the new government. In the same
month, the home of opposition leader Jean Pierre Fabre was raided
by security forces, and thousands of protesters again rallied publicly
against the government crackdown.​[30]

Administrative divisions​[​edit​]
Main articles: ​Regions of Togo​ and ​Prefectures of Togo
Togo is divided into five regions, which are subdivided in turn into 30
prefectures​. From north to south the regions are ​Savanes​, ​Kara​,
Centrale​, ​Plateaux​ and ​Maritime​.

Foreign relations​[​edit​]
​ oreign relations of Togo
Main article: F

Although Togo's foreign policy is nonaligned, it has strong historical

and cultural ties with western Europe, especially France and
Germany. Togo recognizes the People's Republic of China, ​North
Korea​, and ​Cuba​. It re-established relations with Israel in 1987.
Togo pursues an active foreign policy and participates in many
international organizations. It is particularly active in ​West African
regional affairs and in the ​African Union​. Relations between Togo and
neighboring states are generally good.

In 2017, Togo signed the UN treaty on the ​Prohibition of Nuclear

​
Weapons​.[31]

Military​[​edit​]
​ ilitary of Togo
Main article: M

The military of Togo, in French FAT (Forces armées togolaises,

"Togolese armed forces"), consists of the army, navy, air force, and
gendarmerie​. Total military expenditures during the ​fiscal year​ of 2005
totalled 1.6% of the country's ​GDP​.[2]​
​ Military bases exist in ​Lomé​,
Temedja, ​Kara​, ​Niamtougou​, and ​Dapaong​.[32]​
​ The current Chief of the
General Staff​ is Brigadier General Titikpina Atcha Mohamed, who took
office on 19 May 2009.​[33]​ The air force is equipped with ​Alpha jets​.[34]
​

Human rights record​[​edit​]

​ uman rights in Togo
Main article: H

Togo was labeled "Not Free" by ​Freedom House​ from 1972 to 1998,
and again from 2002 to 2006, and has been categorized as "Partly
Free" from 1999 to 2001 and again from 2007 to the present. It has
very serious and longstanding human-rights problems. According to
a ​U.S. State Department​ report based on conditions in 2010, these
include "security force use of excessive force, including ​torture​,
which resulted in deaths and injuries; official impunity; harsh and
life-threatening prison conditions; arbitrary arrests and detention;
lengthy pretrial detention; executive influence over the judiciary;
infringement of citizens' privacy rights; restrictions on ​freedoms of
press​, ​assembly​, and movement; official corruption; discrimination
and violence against women; child abuse, including ​female genital
mutilation​ (FGM), and sexual exploitation of children; regional and
ethnic discrimination; trafficking in persons, especially women and
children; societal discrimination against persons with disabilities;
official and societal discrimination against homosexual persons;
societal discrimination against persons with ​HIV​; and forced labor,
including by children."​[35]​ ​Same-sex sexual activity​ is illegal in Togo,​[36]
with a penalty of one to three years imprisonment.​[37]

Economy​[​edit​]
​ conomy of Togo
Main article: E

See also: ​List of companies based in Togo

 Graphical depiction of Togo's product exports in 28 color-coded
categories

Togo is among the smallest countries in ​Africa​, but possesses

valuable ​phosphate​ deposits and a well-developed export sector
based on agricultural products such as ​coffee​; ​cocoa bean​; and
peanuts​ (groundnuts), which together generate roughly 30% of export
earnings. Cotton is the most important cash crop.​[38]​ The fertile land
occupies 11.3% of the country, most of which is developed. Major
crops are ​cassava​, j​ asmine rice​, ​maize​ and ​millet​. Other important
sectors are ​brewery​ and the ​textile​ industry. A permanent problem is
the lack of ​electricity​, because the country is able to produce only
about a third of its consumption, the rest is covered by imports from
Ghana​ and ​Nigeria​. Low market prices for Togo's major export
commodities, however, coupled with the volatile political situation of
the 1990s and early 2000s, had a negative effect on the economy.​[39]

Togo is one of the ​least developed countries​; the economic situation

is still precarious. Togo serves as a regional commercial and trade
center. The government's decade-long efforts, supported by the
World Bank​ and the ​International Monetary Fund​ (IMF), to carry out
economic reforms, to encourage investment, and to create the
balance between income and consumption has stalled. Political
unrest, including private and public sector strikes throughout 1992
and 1993, jeopardized the reform program, shrank the tax base, and
disrupted vital economic activity.

Togo imports ​machinery​, equipment, ​petroleum​ products, and ​food​.

Main import partners are ​France​ (21.1%), the ​Netherlands​ (12.1%),
Côte d'Ivoire​ (5.9%), ​Germany​ (4.6%), ​Italy​ (4.4%), ​South Africa​ (4.3%)
and ​China​ (4.1%). The main exports are ​cocoa​, ​coffee​, re-export of
goods, ​phosphates​ and ​cotton​. Major export partners are ​Burkina
Faso​ (16.6%), ​China​ (15.4%), the N
​ etherlands​ (13%), ​Benin​ (9.6%) and
Mali​ (7.4%).

Togolese fishermen

In terms of structural reforms, Togo has made progress in the

liberalization​ of the economy, namely in the fields of ​trade​ and port
activities. However, the privatization program of the cotton sector,
telecommunications​ and water supply has stalled. The country
currently has no debt due to financial assistance from the outside
while Togo is likely among the most beneficiary countries under the
Initiative help in ​Heavily Indebted Poor Countries​.
12 January 1994 devaluation of the currency by 50% provided an
important impetus to renewed structural adjustment; these efforts
were facilitated by the end of strife in 1994 and a return to overt
political calm. Progress depends on increased openness in
government financial operations (to accommodate increased social
service outlays) and possible downsizing of the ​armed forces​, on
which the regime has depended to stay in place. Lack of aid, along
with depressed cocoa prices, generated a 1% fall in GDP in 1998, with
growth resuming in 1999. Togo is a member of the ​Organization for
the Harmonization of Business Law in Africa​ (OHADA).​[40]

Agriculture​[​edit​]

Agriculture​ is the backbone of the economy, although it is struggling

with a chronic shortage of funds for the purchase of ​irrigation
equipment and ​fertilizers​, which has significantly reduced agricultural
output. Agriculture generated 28.2% of ​GDP​ in 2012 and employed
49% of the working population in 2010. The country is essentially
self-sufficient​ in food production. ​Livestock​ production is dominated
​ [42]​[​citation needed]​
by ​cattle breeding​.[41]​

Mining​[​edit​]

Mining​ generated about 33.9% of GDP in 2012 and employed 12% of

the population in 2010. Togo has the fourth largest ​phosphate
deposits in the world. Their production is 2.1 million tons per year.
Since the mid-90s, however, there has been a decline in the mining
industry and government will need to invest heavily to sustain it. The
mining industry is facing difficulties due to falling phosphate prices
on world markets and increasing foreign competition. There are also
reserves of ​limestone​, m
​ arble​ and ​salt​.

Industry provides only 20.4% of Togo's national income, because it

consists only of a few light industries and builders. Large reserves of
limestone allows Togo to produce ​cement​.[41]​
​ [43]

Demographics​[​edit​]
​ emographics of Togo
Main article: D

Women in ​Sokodé​.

Population​[6]​[7]

Ye Milli
ar on

19 1.4
50
 20 5.0
00

20 7.9
18

The November 2010 census gave Togo a population of 6,191,155,

more than double the total counted in the last census. That census,
taken in 1981, showed the nation had a population of 2,719,567. The
capital and largest city, Lomé, grew from 375,499 in 1981 to 837,437 in
2010. When the urban population of surrounding Golfe prefecture is
added, the Lomé Agglomeration contained 1,477,660 residents in
2010.​[44]​[45]

Other cities in Togo according to the new census were Sokodé

(95,070), Kara (94,878), Kpalimé (75,084), Atakpamé (69,261), Dapaong
(58,071) and Tsévié (54,474). With an estimated population of
7,889,093 (as of 2018), Togo is the 107th largest country by
population. Most of the population (65%) live in rural villages
dedicated to agriculture or pastures. The population of Togo shows a
strong growth: from 1961 (the year after independence) to 2003 it
quintupled.​[44]​[45]

Largest cities​[​edit​]

● v
● t
 ● e

Largest cities or towns in Togo

According to the 2010 Census​[46]

Ran Name Regio Pop.

k n

1 Lomé Mariti 1,477,6

me 58

2 Sokodé Centra 117,811

le
Lomé Kara

3 Kara Kara 94,878

4 Kpalim Platea 75,084

é ux
Kpalimé
Sokodé
5 Atakpa Platea 69,261
mé ux

6 Dapaon Savan 58,071

g es

7 Tsévié Mariti 54,474

me

8 Anié Platea 37,398

ux
 9 Notsé Platea 35,039
ux

10 Cinkas Savan 26,926

sé es

Ethnic groups​[​edit​]

People of Togo in the 1980s

In Togo, there are about 40 different ethnic groups, the most

numerous of which are the ​Ewe​ in the south who make up 32% of the
population. Along the southern coastline they account for 21% of the
population. Also found are ​Kotokoli or Tem​ and ​Tchamba​ in the
center and the ​Kabye people​ in the north (22%). The ​Ouatchis​ are 14%
of the population. Sometimes the Ewes and Ouatchis are considered
the same, but the French who studied both groups considered them
different people.​[47]​ Other Ethnic groups include the Mina, ​Mossi​, the
Moba and Bassar, the Tchokossi of Mango (about 8%). There is also a
European & Indian population who make up less than 1%.
Religion​[​edit​]

​
Religion in Togo (2010 estimate) [48]

​ ​Christianity​ (37%)

​ ​Animism​ (35.6%)

​ ​Islam​ (20%)

​ None (6.1%)

​ Others (1.3%)

Church in ​Kpalime​.

According to a 2012, the US government religious freedoms report, in

2004 the University of Lomé estimated that 33% of the population are
traditional animists, 28% are Roman Catholic, 20% are Sunni Muslim,
9% are Protestant and another 5% belonged to other Christian
denominations. The remaining 5% were reported to include persons
not affiliated with any religious group. The report also noted that
many Christians and Muslims continue to perform indigenous
religious practices.​[49]

The CIA World Factbook meanwhile states that 44% of the population
are Christian, 14% are Muslim with 36% being followers of indigenous
beliefs.​[41]

Christianity​ began to spread from the middle of the 15th century, after
the arrival of the Portuguese and ​Catholic​ missionaries. Germans
introduced ​Protestantism​ in the second half of the 19th century, when
a hundred missionaries of the Bremen Missionary Society were sent
to the coastal areas of Togo and Ghana. Togo's Protestants were
known as "Brema," a corruption of the word "​Bremen​." After ​World
War I​, German missionaries had to leave, which gave birth to the early
autonomy of the ​Ewe Evangelical Church​.[50]
​

Languages​[​edit​]
​ anguages of Togo
Main article: L

Togo is a ​multilingual​ country. According to Ethnologue, 39 distinct

languages are spoken in the country, many of them by communities
that number fewer than 100,000 members.​[51]​ Of the 39 languages, the
sole ​official language​ is ​French​. Two spoken indigenous languages
were designated politically as ​national languages​ in 1975: ​Ewé​ (​Ewe​:
Èʋegbe;​ ​French​: ​Evé)​ and ​Kabiyé​; they are also the two most widely
spoken indigenous languages.
French is used in formal education, legislature, all forms of media,
administration​ and commerce. Ewe is a language of wider
communication in the south. ​Tem​ functions to a limited extent as a
trade language in some northern towns.​[52]​ Officially, Ewe and Kabiye
are "national languages", which in the Togolese context means
languages that are promoted in formal education and used in the
media.

Health​[​edit​]
Health expenditure in Togo was 5.2% of GDP in 2014, which ranks the
country in 45th place in the world.​[41]​ The ​infant mortality​ rate is
approximately 43.7 deaths per 1,000 children in 2016.​[41]​ Male ​life
expectancy at birth​ was at 62.3 in 2016, whereas it was at 67.7 years
for females.​[41]​ There were 5 physicians per 100,000 people in 2008​[41]
According to a 2013 UNICEF report,​[53]​ 4% of women in Togo have
undergone ​female genital mutilation​, which is a significantly lower
percentage than other countries in the region.

As of 2015, the maternal mortality rate per 100,000 births for Togo is
368, compared with 350 in 2010 and 539.7 in 1990.​[41]​ The under 5
mortality rate, per 1,000 births is 100 and the neonatal mortality as a
percentage of under 5's mortality is 32. In Togo the number of
midwives per 1,000 live births is 2 and the lifetime risk of death for
pregnant women is 1 in 67.​[54]
In 2016, Togo had 4100 (2400 - 6100) new HIV infections and 5100
(3100 - 7700) AIDS-related deaths. There were 100 000 (73 000 - 130
000) people living with HIV in 2016, among whom 51% (37% - 67%)
were accessing antiretroviral therapy. Among pregnant women living
with HIV, 86% (59% - >95%) were accessing treatment or prophylaxis
to prevent transmission of HIV to their children. An estimated <1000
(<500 - 1400) children were newly infected with HIV due to
mother-to-child transmission. Among people living with HIV,
​
approximately 42% (30% - 55%) had suppressed viral loads. [55]

Education​[​edit​]
Education in Togo is compulsory for six years.​[56]​ In 1996, the gross
primary enrollment rate was 119.6%, and the net primary enrollment
rate was 81.3%.​[56]​ In 2011, the net enrollment rate was 94%, one of the
best in the West African sub-region. The education system has
suffered from teacher shortages, lower educational quality in rural
areas, and high repetition and dropout rates.​[56]

Culture​[​edit​]

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Main articles: C

Traditional Taberma houses

Togo's culture reflects the influences of its many ethnic groups, the
largest and most influential of which are the ​Ewe​, ​Mina​, Tem,
Tchamba and ​Kabre​.

Despite the influences of Christianity and Islam, over half of the

people of Togo follow native ​animistic​ practices and beliefs.

Ewe statuary is characterized by its famous ​statuettes​ which illustrate

the worship of the ​ibeji​. Sculptures and hunting trophies were used
rather than the more ubiquitous African masks. The wood-carvers of
Kloto​ are famous for their "chains of marriage": two characters are
connected by rings drawn from only one piece of wood.

The dyed fabric ​batiks​ of the artisanal center of Kloto represent

stylized and colored scenes of ancient everyday life. The loincloths
used in the ceremonies of the weavers of Assahoun are famous.
Works of the painter Sokey Edorh are inspired by the immense arid
extents, swept by the dry wind, and where the soil keeps the prints of
the men and the animals. The plastics technician ​Paul Ahyi​ is
internationally recognized today. He practiced the "​zota​", a kind of
pyroengraving, and his monumental achievements decorate ​Lomé​.

The official Togolese drink is called ​sodabi​, a liquor that is created

from the distillation of palm wine.
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Togo 
The Togolese Republic, also known as Togo, sits in West Africa. It extends south
to the Gulf of Guinea, and is bordered on the north by Burkina Faso, Benin to the
east, and Ghana on the west. Togo, with a population of over 8.19 million people,
is 57,000 square kilometers (22,000 sq mi) in area. Togo’s capital is Lomé, located
in the Gulf of Guinea. Togo is a sub-Saharan nation, with a good growing climate
that supports its dependence on agriculture.

While many languages are spoken in Togo, mainly those of the Gbe family,
French is its official language. People with indigenous beliefs make up the largest
religious group, but Christians and Muslims also make up a significant minority.
A United Nations member, Togo is also a member of the South Atlantic Peace and
Cooperation Zone, La Francophonie and Economic Community of West African
States, Organisation of the Islamic Conference, and the African Union.

Togo was initially populated by various tribes and later became a center for slave
trade known as “The Slave Coast” in the 16th century. It was later a German
colony until World War I when it was divided by England and France. In 1914
Togoland, became Togo. British Togoland eventually became part of Ghana and
French Togoland, Togo, gained independence in 1960. After a coup in 1967
Gnassingbé Eyadéma served as president for 38 years and became the
longest-serving leader in African history. After his death his son Faure
Gnassingbé became president.
History 
Between the 11th and 16th centuries various tribes such as those from Ghana
and Nigeria entered the region with most settling in the costal areas. For the next
two hundred years the coast became a major center for European slave trade and
earned Togo and the nearby areas the reputation as “ The Slave Coast.” The Mina
from Ghana were the most victimized by the slave trade.

In 1884 Germany signed a treaty at Togoville under the King Mlapa III, which
declared Togoland a protectorate that stretched from the coast inland. This
became the German colony of Togoland in 1905. After Germany was defeated in
World War I, Britain and France administered Togoland as two League of Nations
mandates. The mandates became UN Trust Territories after World War II. British
Togoland joined the Gold Coast, which in 1957 became the independent nation of
Ghana. In 1959, French Togoland became an autonomous republic of the French
Union until its independence in 1960.

Slyvanus Olympio brought independence to Togo as prime minister and then

President. Soldiers working for Sergeant Etienne Eyadéma Gnassingbe later
assassinated him in a military coup on January 13, 1963. After the assassination,
the head of the “Insurrection Committee,” Emmanuel Bodjollé appointed Nicolas
Grunitzky president. However, 4 years later Grunitzky was overthrown in a
non-violent coup by Eyadéma Gnassingbe. Eyadéma, Africa’s longest-sitting
dictator, then ruled as president for 38 years until his death on February 5, 2005.
In 1993, during his reign the European Union cut off aid in due to human rights
concerns. His son, Faure Gnassingbé, was installed by the military as president,
but this lead to an international outcry. However, France, Abdoulaye Wade of
Senegal, Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria, and other elected African leaders were
supportive of the move. This support lead to dissent within the African Union.

Faure Gnassingbé responded by stepping down, but calling for elections two
months later. While he won the elections there were claims by the opposition of
election fraud. Violence ensued as a result of the elections with more than 400
people were killed, and an estimated 40,000 people fleeing to nearby countries.
The countries reputation was again shaky in the international community as its
promises in 2004 to the European Union to the establish democracy seemed to be
in doubt.

Economy 
Togo’s economy is small and depends on subsistence and commercial
agriculture. When harvests are normal, Togo is self-sufficient for basic food
goods with only occasional regional supply difficulties. Phosphate mining used
to be the primary industrial activity, but due to increased foreign competition, and
the collapse of world phosphate prices, Togo has been relying more on export of
cement and clinker to nearby countries.

The economic reforms and foreign investments supported by the government,

World Bank, and IMF have stalled. Several setbacks in the early 1990s such as
strikes and political unrest hurt economic growth by shrinking the tax base and
disrupting the economy. The devaluation of the currency in 1994 allowed
structural adjustments, which were brought about by political stability returning.
The regime depends on the armed forces to maintain its power, however a
possible downsize and increased openness in government may be necessary for
progress to continue.

Geography and Climate 

The Togolese Republic, also known as Togo is a small West African country only
21,925 sq mi with an average density of 253 people per square mile. It extends
south to the Bight of Benin, and is bordered on the north by Burkina Faso, Benin
to the east, and Ghana on the west. Contrasting the geography of the center of
the country, mostly hills, the north is mostly rolling savanna and the south is
both savanna and woodland plateau. The northern regions have a mostly dry
savanna climate with an average temperature of 86 °F. Even though the average
rainfall is low, the south has two rainy seasons, one in April that lasts four
months and one in September that lasts three months. Lagoons and marshes
make up the coastal plain area with an average temperature of 81.5 °F.
Administrative Divisions 
Togo is divided into the following regions: Savanes, Kara, Centrale, Plateaux and
Maritime (from north to south). These regions are further divided into 30
prefectures and 1 commune.

Demographics 
According to a 2014 estimate, the population size is 7,351,374. The population
has been growing steadily with a 2.71 percent growth rate. The rural villages are
devoted to pastures or agriculture and house more than 50 percent of the
population.

Ethnic Groups 
Of the 40 ethnic groups in Togo, the main groups are the Kabye’ in the north (22
percent), the Tchamba and Kotokoli in the center, and the largest group, the Ewe
in the south (46 percent). The Ewe make up 21 percent of the population on the
southern coast. Some consider the Ouatchi (14 percent) as a sub-group of the
Ewe, while the French government considers them separate and divided the Ewe
and Ouatchi in 1955. Another 8 percent are made up of the Mossi, Mina and Aja
groups, and the remaining 1 percent are Europeans who are there for economic
reasons or act as diplomats.

Religion 
29 percent of the population is Christian and 20 percent is Muslim, however
despite these influences over half of the population (51 percent) practices
indigenous beliefs and native animistic practices.
Languages 
French is the official language and language of commerce. Major African
languages include Ewe and Gen in the south and Kabiyé and Kotokoli (or Tem) in
the north.

Health 
Economics play a role in the health of the population with roughly half living
below the international poverty line and a health expenditure at 8% of the GDP.
According to 2014 figures, the infant mortality rate is at 46.73 deaths per 1,000
live births, and life expectancy at birth is 53.34 for males and 66.71 for females.

Education 
Compulsory for six years, the educational system in Togo has struggled with
teacher shortages, lower quality in rural areas and high dropout rates and grade
repetition.

Politics 
The movement towards democracy is in doubt in Togo. President Gnassingbé
Eyadéma’s rule ended on February 5, 2005 when he became gravelly ill and died
midflight over Tunisia while being transported by plane for care in another
country. He had governed over a one party system during most of his rule. His
successor should have been the President of the Parliament, Fambaré Ouattara
Natchaba, until a new election within sixty days according to the Togolese
constitution. However Natchaba was out of the country in Paris, and the Togolese
army, known as Forces Armées Togolaises (FAT) closed the nation’s borders
forcing his Air France plane to land in Benin instead. The army declared that the
communications minister, Eyadéma’s son Faure Gnassingbé, would be the
successor. The following day Parliament also changed the constitution
retroactively so that Faure would finish out his father’s term and rule until the
next elections in 2008. Faure Gnassingbé was sworn in February 7 2005 with
parliament moving to remove Natchaba as president under the justification that
he was out of the country.

The takeover received international criticism with the African Union calling it a
military coup and the United Nations also putting on pressure. In Togo there were
many riots and uprisings such as a large civilian uprising followed by a massacre
by government troops in the town of Aného. This event went largely unreported
and the total violence left several hundred dead mainly in the south. Faure
Gnassingbé resigned on February 25th and agreed to hold new elections.
However he accepted the nomination and ran again in April. On April 24 2005 he
defeated his chief rival Robert Akitani from the Union des Forces du Changement
(UFC). The official records note he won over 60 percent of the vote but fraud is
suspected since there was no independent oversight such as the European
Union. Other allegations are that ballot boxes were stolen from southern polling
stations and shutdowns of telecommunications were imposed to impact the
results. Until the inauguration Deputy President, Bonfoh Abbass, was declared
the interim President by Parliament. Current president Faure Gnassingbé was
sworn in on May 3, 2005.

Current Political Situation 

After the 2005 election, the European Union supported the claims of the
opposition by suspending aid to Togo. However, the United Sates and African
Union considered that the vote was “reasonably fair.” With the intent of
establishing a coalition government, Olusegun Obasanjo, the Chair of the AU and
president of Nigeria, tried to negotiate between the opposition and the incumbent
government. However he rejected the AU Commission appointment of Kenneth
Kaunda, former president of Zambia, as a special AU envoy to Togo. In June,
opposition leader Edem Kodjo was named by President Gnassingbé as Prime
Minister.

Later that year in August the government and the opposition signed the
Ouagadougou agreement, which called for a transitional government that would
organize parliamentary elections. However on September 16, 2005 the president
snubbed the major opposition party, Union of the Forces of Change (UFC), by
nominating a member of the Action Committee for Renewal (CAR) as prime
minster. The UFC responded by refusing to join the government. On September
20, 2006, professor Léopold Gnininvi member of the Democratic Convention of
African Peoples (CDPA) was appointed.

Elections finally took place in October 2007 after several delays. These elections
used proportional representation, which allowed the less densely populated north
to have the same number of MPs as the more heavily populated south.

The Rally of the Togolese People (RPT) party, which was backed by the president,
won the outright majority. However the election was the subject of fraud
allegations such as illegal voting and cancelled ballots, mostly in RPT
strongholds, despite the presence of EU observers. Ultimately the international
community considered the election fair and praised the system since there was
little violence or intimidation. This was a first since a multiparty system was
reinstated. The UFC came in second and other parties did not have significant
representation. On December 3, 2007 RPT member Komlan Mally was appointed
as Agboyibor’s successor as prime minster. This was short lived as he resigned
less than a year later on September 5, 2008.

In a relatively peaceful election in March of 2010, Faure Gnassingbé won 61

percent of the vote against his UFC member Jean-Pierre Fabre who was backed
by the Republican Front for Change (FRAC).

Culture 
Many ethnic groups influence the culture of Togo, predominantly the Ewe,
Tchamba, Tem, Mina, and Kabre. While French is the official language of Togo,
other languages include indigenous ones including Mina, Aja, Ewe, Kotokoli,
Bassar, Akessele, Kabiyé, and Losso.

Culture and indigenous beliefs are displayed through art work such as statuary,
wood carvings, and hunting trophies rather than the more common African
masks. The famous statuettes of the Ewe are created for the worship of the ibeji.
Another prominent example is the “chains of marriage” wood carving from the
artisanal center of Kloto which uses only one piece of wood to show two
characters connected through rings. They also use dyed fabric batiks to create
colorful stylized depictions of the average day of their ancestors. Also famous are
the ceremonial loincloths of the weavers of Assahoun. The wind swept arid lands
inspire painter Sokey Edorh. Finally one can see the pyroengraving (“zota”)
plastic works for internationally recognized technician Paul Ahyi in the capital
city of Lomé.

Sport 

At the Olympics 

Togo made won its first medal ever on August 12, 2008 with a bronze from
Benjamin Boukpeti (son of a Togolese father and French mother) in the Men’s K1
Kayak Slalom.

Football 

While football is the most popular sport, Togo was a minor presence
internationally until recently when they qualified for the 2006 FIFA World Cup.
Emmanuel Adebayor, considered the star player, is often credited with their
qualification. Unfortunately their participation was plagued by scandal such as
problems within the Togolese Football Association and between the association
and players regarding financial bonuses. Ultimately the team coach, Otto Pfister,
resigned and a potential boycott of their game against Switzerland was averted
when FIFA satisfied the players’ demands. In the following months two other
players were dismissed over negative remarks about the association’s
management.

While Togo was knocked out of the tournament, it did develop a “Supporters
Club” in such places as Scotland and Ireland.
The Togo National Football team made the news again in January 2010 when their
team bus was fired upon while they were attending the African Nations Cup in
Angola. Two players were injured and the team spokesman, bus driver, and
assistant coach were killed. At the request of the government, the Togo team
withdrew from the tournament.

U.S. Relations With Togo 

BILATERAL RELATIONS FACT SHEET

BUREAU OF AFRICAN AFFAIRS

AUGUST 2, 2019

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More information about Togo is available on the Togo Page and from other

Department of State publications and other sources listed at the end of this fact

sheet.

U.S.-TOGO RELATIONS
The United States established diplomatic relations with Togo in 1960, following

its independence from a French-administered trusteeship. In 1963, Togo

experienced the first post-independence presidential assassination in Africa, led

by Eyadema Gnassingbe. Eyadema formally became president in 1967 and ruled

until his death in 2005. The current president, Faure Gnassingbe, is Eyadema’s

son. While Faure came to power in a flawed 2005 election, the international

community deemed subsequent presidential and parliamentary elections

generally free and fair. Togo went through a period of political upheaval in 2017

and early 2018 as the historically divided opposition united in an effort to prevent

President Faure Gnassingbe from standing for a fourth presidential term in 2020.

Regional mediation culminated in the opposition boycotting legislative elections

in December 2018. The ruling party, controlling all votes in parliament,

subsequently adopted constitutional reforms limiting presidential mandates to

two terms. These reforms, however, are not retroactive, allowing President Faure

the ability to stand for the 2020 and 2025 elections. In June 2019, the government

held local elections for the first time in 32 years, expanding the number of elected

officials from 91 to over 1,600. The government has undertaken significant

economic reforms over the last several years, including professionalizing the

security forces, in part through U.S. assistance. Togo launched a realistic and

comprehensive five-year national development plan in 2018 that guides future

development and economic initiatives. The United States and Togo have good

relations and the United States seeks to work with Togo to consolidate

democratic gains and economic growth.

U.S. Assistance to Togo

In fiscal year 2018, the United States provided approximately $14 million in

assistance to Togo, including $6 million in health funding and $0.4 million in

international military education and training aid. Although USAID does not have a

mission in Togo, a handful of regionally and centrally managed program activities

are present. The USAID West Africa Regional Mission located in Accra, Ghana

manages USAID regional program activities in Togo, including approximately $2

million a year for family planning and $1 million a year for HIV/AIDS programs. In

fiscal year 2020, PEPFAR will start a two-year, $18 million program in Togo.

The Peace Corps established its presence in Togo in 1962, and has 84 volunteers

in the field, working on projects in agriculture, education, and health. Togo has

made significant efforts to maritime and regional security; in particular,

contributing over 1,200 troops to United Nations Peacekeeping Operations. In

February 2019, the Millennium Challenge Corporation signed a $35 million

Threshold program to aid reforms in the telecommunications industry and land

title sector.
Bilateral Economic Relations

Togo has a market-oriented economy, and the country is eligible for preferential

trade benefits under the African Growth and Opportunity Act. Togo hosted the

2017 Africa Growth and Opportunity Act Forum. The United States has a

significant trade surplus with Togo. U.S. exports to Togo include fuel oil,

vehicles, petroleum products, machinery, and food products, while U.S. imports

from Togo include cocoa and coffee. Togo’s export processing zone, established

with U.S. Government support, has attracted private investors interested in

manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food processing, primarily for

the export market. A 100-megawatt power plant is among the largest electricity

investments in Togo and one of the largest single private U.S. investments in

West Africa. The two countries have signed a treaty on investment and economic

relations. The United States also has a trade and investment framework

agreement with the West African Economic and Monetary Union, of which Togo is

a member. Togo is working with the United States and other development

partners to improve the investment climate and commercial infrastructure. Togo

has the deepest port on the west coast of Africa. The government is working to

expand the port and road network to make Togo a better option for regional

transshipment.
Togo’s Membership in International Organizations

Togo and the United States belong to a number of the same international

organizations, including the United Nations, International Monetary Fund, World

Bank, and World Trade Organization.

Bilateral Representation

The U.S. Ambassador to Togo is Eric Stromayer; other principal embassy officials

are listed in the Department’s ​Key Officers List​.

Togo maintains an embassy in the United States at 2208 Massachusetts Avenue

NW, Washington, DC 20008; tel: (202) 234-4212.

A Guide to the United States’ History of

Recognition, Diplomatic, and Consular
Relations, by Country, since 1776: Togo
 Summary
The United States established diplomatic relations with Togo in 1960. It has 
maintained friendly relations with Togo since its independence from France. 
Although the United States does not have any significant economic ties to Togo, 
it nonetheless maintains a strong presence there, most notably in the form of the 
Peace Corps, in order to encourage economic and rural development. 

 
Modern Flag of Togo 

Recognition

U.S. Recognition of Togo’s Independence, 1960.

The United States recognized the Republic of Togo on April 27, 1960, when 
Attorney General William Rogers, Acting as Personal Representative of President 
Dwight D. Eisenhower, delivered a message to that effect to Prime Minister 
Sylvanus Olympio. Togoland previously had been under French administration as 
a United Nations Trust Territory. 

Diplomatic Relations

Establishment of Diplomatic Relations and the American Embassy in

Togo, 1960.

Diplomatic relations were established on April 27, 1960, when the American 
consulate at Lomé was raised to Embassy status with ​Jesse M. MacKnight​ as 
Chargé d’Affaires ​ad interim​. 

Togo (1960-present)
Pre-Crisis Phase (April 27, 1960-November 30, 1961): Togo formally
achieved its independence from United Nations trusteeship under
French administration on April 27, 1960. Sylvanus Olympio of the
Committee of Togolese Unity​ (​Comité de l’Unité Togolaise-​CUT) was
elected without opposition to a seven-year term as president on April 9,
1961. Legislative elections were held on April 9, 1961, and the
Committee of Togolese Unity​ (​Comité de l’Unité Togolaise-​CUT) won 52
out of 52 seats in the National Assembly. A new constitution was
approved in a referendum on April 9, 1961.

Crisis Phase (December 1, 1961-March 18, 2010): The government

suppressed a rebellion on December 1-2, 1961. On January 8, 1962, the
government of Togo accused the government of Ghana of having
supported the rebellion. President Olympio survived an attempted
assassination in Lomé on January 21, 1962. President Olympio was
killed during a military rebellion led by Emmanuel Bodjolle on January
13, 1963, and an eight-member military junta took control of the
government on January 14, 1963. Nicholas Grunitsky formed a
provisional civilian government on January 17, 1963. President
Grunitsky abrogated the constitution and dissolved the National
Assembly on January 17, 1963. A new constitution was approved in a
national referendum on May 5, 1963. Nicholas Grunitsky of the ​Togolese
People’s Movement (​ ​Mouvement des Personnes Togolaises​-MPT) was
elected president on May 5, 1963. Government troops suppressed a
rebellion led by Noe Kutuklui, leader of the ​Congres Unite Togolaise
(CUT), in Lomé on November 21, 1966. President Grunitzky was
deposed in a military coup led by Lt. Colonel Étienne Gnassingbé
Eyadéma on January 13, 1967. Lt. Colonel Gnassingbé Eyadéma
declared a state-of-emergency, suspended the constitution, and banned
political parties. Lt. Colonel Gnassingbé Eyadéma declared himself
president on April 14, 1967. President Gnassingbé Eyadéma imposed a
one-party political system on November 29, 1969. The only legal political
party was the ​Rally of the Togolese People​ (​Rassemblement du Peuple
Togolais-RPT). President Gnassingbé Eyadéma was re-elected without
opposition in a national referendum on January 13, 1972. President
Gnassingbé Eyadéma issued a new constitution, which was approved in
a referendum on December 30, 1979. President Gnassingbé Eyadéma
was re-elected without opposition on December 30, 1979. Legislative
elections were held on December 30, 1979, and the ​Rally of the Togolese
People​ (​Rassemblement du Peuple​ Togolais-RPT) won 67 out of 67 seats
in the National Assembly. The government issued a warrant for the
arrest of Gilchrest Olympio on July 13, 1979. The ​Togolese Movement
for Democracy​ (​Mouvement Togolais pour la Democratie-​ MTD) was
established by Gilchrest Olympio in Paris in opposition to the
government of President Eyadema in February 1979. Legislative
elections were held on March 24, 1985, and the ​Rally of the Togolese
People​ (​Rassemblement du Peuple​ Togolais-RPT) won 77 out of 77 seats
in the National Assembly. The ​Association of African Jurists (​ AAJ)
conducted a fact-finding mission (Cameroon, Guinea, Morocco, Senegal)
to investigate allegations of human rights abuses on December 18-23,
1985. ​Amnesty International​ (AI) condemned the government for human
rights abuses on June 16, 1986. Members of ​Togolese Movement for
Democracy​ (​Mouvement Togolais pour la Democratie​-MTD) rebelled
against the government of President Gnassingbé Eyadéma in Lomé on
September 23-24, 1986, resulting in the deaths of at least 26 individuals.
The government of Togo accused the governments of Ghana and
Burkina Faso of involvement in the rebellion, and requested French
military assistance on September 25, 1986. President Mobutu Sese Seko
of Zaire expressed support for the government on September 25, 1986.
The French government deployed 250 paratroopers in support of the
government of Togo, and Zairean government deployed 350 troops in
support of the government of Togo on September 26, 1986. President
Babangida of Nigeria, president of the ​Economic Communist of West
African States​ (ECOWAS), expressed support for the government.
President Ronald Reagan of the U.S. expressed support for the
government. The Chinese government expressed support for the
government on October 4, 1986. French and Zairean troops were
withdrawn on October 5, 1986. Gilchrest Olympio and twelve other
individuals were convicted and sentenced to death for their involvement
in the rebellion on December 20, 1986. President Gnassingbé Eyadéma
was re-elected without opposition on December 21, 1986. Legislative
elections were held on March 4, 1990, and the ​Rally of the Togolese
People​ (​Rassemblement du Peuple​ Togolais-RPT) won 77 out of 77 seats
in the National Assembly. Opponents of the government demonstrated
against the government in Lomé on October 5, 1990, resulting in the
deaths of four individuals. The ​Alliance of Togolese Democrats​ (​Alliance
des Democrats Togolais-​ADT) was established on December 13, 1990.
Opposition political parties established the ​Front of Associations for
Renewal​ (FAR) headed by Yao Agboyi-Bor on March 14, 1991. President
Gnassingbé Eyadéma legalized opposition political parties on April 12,
1991. A national conference convened in Lomé from July 8 to August
28, 1991. The national conference dissolved the National Assembly on
July 16, 1991, and elected Joseph Kokou Koffigoh as prime minister on
August 27, 1991. The government suppressed three military rebellions
between October 1 and November 28, 1991, resulting in the deaths of at
least 20 individuals. The transitional government​ (​ High Council of the
Republic-HCR) headed by Prime Minister Joseph Kokou Koffigoh
dissolved President Gnassingbé Eyadéma’s​ Rally of the Togolese
People​ (​Rassemblement du Peuple​ Togolais-RPT) on November 26,
1991. Prime Minister Koffigoh requested military assistance from
France on November 28, 1991, and the French government deployed 300
troops to neighboring Benin on November 29, 1991. Prime Minister
Koffigoh was seized by rebel soldiers during an attack on his residence
on December 3, 1991, resulting in the deaths of 17 individuals. President
Gnassingbé Eyadéma permitted Joseph Kokou Koffigoh to form a
provisional government as prime minister on December 30, 1991.
Gilchrist Olympio, leader of the ​Union of Forces for Change (​ ​Union des
Forces du Changement-​UFC), survived an assassination attempt in the
Assoli region on May 5, 1992, resulting in the deaths of ten individuals.
Tavio Amorin, leader of the ​Pan-Africanist Socialist Party​ (​Parti
​ SP) and a member of the High Council of the
Socialiste Panafricain-P
Republic-HCR, died as a result of a armed attack by government police
on July 29, 1992. A new constitution was approved in a referendum on
September 27, 1992. The ​Togolese Union for Democracy​ (UTD) and other
opposition political parties formed the​ Patriotic Front​ (PF) in October
1992. The U.S. government imposed military sanctions (suspension of
military assistance) against the government of Togo in November 1992.
President Gnassingbé Eyadéma dismissed Prime Minister Joseph
Kokou Koffigoh on January 13, 1993, but re-appointed him to the
position on January 18, 1993. Government troops and anti-opposition
demonstrators clashed in Lomé on January 25-30, 1993, resulting in the
deaths of thirty-one civilians and four government soldiers. Some
300,000 individuals fled as refugees to Ghana and Benin. The German
government imposed economic sanctions (suspension of development
assistance) against the government on February 4, 1993, and the French
government imposed economic sanctions (suspension of development
assistance) against the government on February 11, 1993. France and
Germany mediated negotiations between representatives of the
government and opposition groups in Colmar, France beginning on
February 8-9, 1993. President Gnassingbé Eyadéma survived an
attempted assassination by armed opponents on March 25, 1993,
resulting in the deaths of two individuals. Some 20 individuals were
subsequently executed for their involvement in the assassination
attempt. Government troops killed three opposition demonstrators in
Cinkasse on April 15, 1993. Prime Minister Joseph Kokou Koffigoh
formed the ​Coordination of New Forces​ (​Coordination des Forces
Nouvelles-​ CFN) on June 11, 1993. President Gnassingbé Eyadéma,
representing the ​Rally of the Togolese People​ (​Rassemblement du
Peuple​ Togolais-RPT), was re-elected with 96 percent of the vote on
August 25, 1993. Opposition political parties had boycotted the
presidential election. The governments of France and Burkina Faso sent
observers to monitor the presidential election. Some 20 individuals
were killed by government troops throughout the country on August
24-27, 1993. The ​European Union​ (EU) imposed economic sanctions
(suspension of economic assistance) against Togo in September 1993.
The government suppressed a rebellion in Lomé on January 5-7, 1994,
resulting in the deaths of some 100 individuals. The French government
resumed economic assistance to the government of Togo in 1994. On
January 14, 1994, ​Amnesty International (​ AI) alleged that 48 individuals
had been executed for their involvement in the rebellion. Legislative
elections were held on February 6-20, 1994. The ​Patriotic Front​ (PF),
including the ​Action Committee for Renewal​ (​Comité d’Action pour la
Renouveau-​CAR), won 43 out of 81 seats in the National Assembly. The
Rally of the Togolese People​ (​Rassemblement du Peuple​ Togolais-RPT)
won 35 seats in the National Assembly. The ​International Monitoring
Committee​ (IMC), an ad hoc group of personnel representing the
Association of African Lawyers​ (AAL), monitored the legislative
elections. Three individuals were killed in political violence in Lomé on
February 14, 1994. Edem Kodjo, leader of the ​Togolese Union for
Democracy​ (UTD), was named prime minister on April 22, 1994. The
Action Committee for Renewal ​(​Comite d’Action pour le Renouveau
-CAR) announced a boycott of the National Assembly on November 7,
1994. The ​United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees ​(UNHCR)
and the ​International Organization for Migration​ (IOM) established a
mission to provide repatriation assistance to 100,000 Togolese refugees
in Ghana and Benin from April 26, 1996 to July 1997. Prime Minister
Kodjo resigned on August 19, 1996, and Kwassi Klutse formed a
government as prime minister on August 27, 1996. The ​National
Democratic Institute​ (NDI) sent a four-member pre-election assessment
delegation to Togo on June 4-11, 1998. President Gnassingbé Eyadéma
was re-elected with 52 percent of the vote on June 21, 1998. The
European Union ​(EU) sent 40 observers to monitor the presidential
election, and reported that there were flaws in the electoral process on
June 25, 1998. The ​Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie​ (OIF)
sent nine observers from eight countries headed by Isaac Nguema of
Gabon to monitor the presidential election from June 15 to June 27,
1998. The ​Center for Contemporary Diplomacy ​(CCD), a
non-government organization based in New York, sent eleven observers
to monitor the president election. Opposition presidential candidate,
Gilchrist Olympio, claimed victory in the presidential election and called
for demonstrations against the government. Several individuals were
killed in political violence after the elections. President Jerry Rawlings
of Ghana offered to mediate negotiations between the parties. President
Gnassingbé Eyadéma invited opposition political parties to join a
government of national unity in August 1998, but the political parties
rejected the offer. President Eyadema met with opposition leaders to
discuss national reconciliation in November 1998. The ​European Union
(EU) renewed economic sanctions against the government of Togo on
December 14, 1998. Legislative elections were held on March 7 and
March 21, 1999, and the ​Rally of the Togolese People​ (​Rassemblement
du Peuple​ Togolais-RPT) won 79 out of 81 seats in the National
Assembly. Opposition political parties boycotted the legislative
elections. Prime Minister Klutse resigned on April 17, 1999. Mustapha
Niasse of Senegal, representing the ​Organisation Internationale de la
Francophonie ​(OIF), attempted to mediate negotiations between the
parties beginning on May 4, 1999. French, German, and EU
representatives attempted to mediate negotiations between the parties
beginning on May 4, 1999. President Gnassingbé Eyadéma appointed
Koffi Eugene Adoboli as prime minister on May 22, 1999. Negotiations
between representatives of the Togo government and opposition groups
convened in Paris on June 9, 1999. Four opposition political parties,
including the ​Togolese Union for Democracy​ (UTD), merged to form the
Pan-African Patriotic Convergence ​(PAPC) on August 16, 1999.
Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali of the ​Organisation
Internationale de la Francophonie​ (OIF) appointed Ide Oumarou of Niger
to mediate negotiations between the parties on April 18, 2000. On June
7, 2000, the ​United Nations (​ UN) and ​Organization for African Unity
(OAU) established a joint three-member commission of inquiry (Brazil,
Chad, Mauritania) headed by Mahamat Hassan Abakar of Chad to
investigate allegations of government killings of Togolese in June 1998.
Prime Minister Eugene Koffi Adoboli resigned on August 27, 2000, and
President Gnassingbé Eyadéma appointed Gabriel Messan Agbeyome
Kodjo as prime minister on August 29, 2000. The U.S. government
resumed military assistance to the government of Togo in 2001. The
UN-OAU issued a report on February 23, 2001. France, Germany, and
the EU ended their mediation efforts on May 31, 2002. Legislative
elections were held on October 27, 2002, and the ​Rally of the Togolese
People​ (​Rassemblement du Peuple​ Togolais-RPT) won 72 out of 81 seats
in the National Assembly. Several opposition political parties, including
the ​Union of Forces for Change (​ ​Union des Forces du Changement-U
​ FC)
headed by Gilchrist Olympio, boycotted the elections. President
Gnassingbé Eyadéma was re-elected with 58 percent of the vote on June
1, 2003, and he was inaugurated on June 20, 2003. President
Gnassingbé Eyadéma died of a heart attack in Tunisia on February 5,
2005, and President Eyadema’s son, Faure Gnassingbé, was named as
president by the Togolese military. President Jacques Chirac of France
and the ​African Union (​ AU) condemned the “military coup” in Togo on
February 6, 2005. The Nigerian government imposed diplomatic
sanctions (suspension of diplomatic relations) and economic sanctions
(flight ban) against the government of Togo on February 11, 2005.
Government troops clashed with anti-government demonstrators in
Lomé on February 14, 2005, resulting in the deaths of at least three
individuals. The ECOWAS imposed military sanctions (arms embargo),
economic sanctions (travel ban on government leaders), and diplomatic
sanctions (suspension of membership) against the government of Togo
on February 19, 2005. President Faure Gnassingbé resigned on
February 25, 2005, and El-Hadj Bonfoh Abass, president of the National
Assembly, was appointed as interim president. The ​African Union ​(AU)
imposed diplomatic sanctions (suspension of membership) and military
sanctions (arms embargo) against the government of Togo on February
25, 2005. The ECOWAS lifted military sanctions, economic sanctions,
and diplomatic sanctions against the government of Togo on February
25, 2005. Nigeria lifted diplomatic sanctions and economic sanctions
against the government of Togo on March 10, 2005. Seven individuals
were killed in political violence in Lomé on April 16, 2005. Faure
Gnassingbé was elected president with 60 percent of the vote on April
24, 2005, and he was inaugurated as president on May 3, 2005.
Government troops killed nine individuals in the town of Aného on April
26-27, 2005. Opposition leader, Emmanuel Bob-Akitani, disputed the
results of the presidential election and declared himself to be the
winner. The ECOWAS sent 120 observers to monitor the presidential
election. Some 500 individuals were killed, and some 38,000 individuals
fled Togo as a result of post-election violence. The ECOWAS began
mediation between the government and opposition political parties on
April 30, 2005. The ​African Union ​(AU) lifted diplomatic sanctions and
military sanctions against the government of Togo on May 27, 2005.
President Faure Gnassingbé appointed opposition leader, Edem Kodjo,
as prime minister on June 9, 2005. President Blaise Compaoré of
Burkina Faso, representing the ECOWAS, mediated negotiations
between representatives of the government and opposition political
parties beginning on August 10, 2006. Government and opposition
political parties signed the ECOWAS-mediated ​Global Political
Agreement i​ n Lomé on August 21, 2006. The GPA provided for the
establishment of two commissions that will be responsible for
establishing the truth on crimes and human rights violations following
the 2005 presidential election, and for promoting political reconciliation
in Togo. In order to support the political reconciliation process in Togo,
the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
established an office in Lomé in November 2006. Legislative elections
were held on October 14, 2007, and the ​Rally for the Togolese People
(Rassemblement du Peuple Togolais​-RPT) won 50 out of 81 seats in the
National Assembly. The ​Union of Forces for Change (​ ​Union des Forces
du Changement-​UFC) won 27 seats in the National Assembly. The
European Union ​(EU) sent 18 long-term observers and 62 short-term
observers led by Fiona Hall from Britain to monitor the legislative
elections from September 8 to November 3, 2007. The ​European
Parliament ​(EP) sent six observers and three staff members led by
Marie-Arlette Carlotti of France to monitor the legislative elections from
October 11 to October 16, 2007. The ​Organisation Internationale de la
Francophonie ​(OIF) and the ​African Union ​(AU) sent observers to
monitor the legislative elections. The ​Economic Community of West
African States ​(ECOWAS) sent 152 observers to monitor the legislative
elections on October 2, 2007. President Blaise Compaoré of Burkina
Faso, representing the ECOWAS, mediated negotiations between
President Faure Gnassingbé and Gilchrist Olympio, leader of the ​Union
of Forces for Change ​(​Union des Forces du Changement-U
​ FC), in
Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso on November 2, 2007. The ​European
Union ​(EU) lifted economic sanctions (suspension of economic
assistance) against the government on November 27, 2007. Government
security forces raided the home of former Defense Minister Kpatcha
Gnassingbé, the half-brother of President Faure Gnassingbé, on April
14, 2009, resulting in the deaths of two individuals. The government
accused Kpatcha Gnassingbé of plotting a coup against President Faure
Gnassingbé. On February 18, 2010, the ECOWAS deployed 146 military
observers from 13 member-states led by Colonel Siaka Sangare of Mali
to assist Togolese police in providing security for and preventing
violence during the upcoming presidential election. President Faure
Gnassingbé, representing the ​Rally for the Togolese People
(​Rassemblement du Peuple Togolais​-RPT), was re-elected with 61
percent of the vote on March 4, 2010. The ​Economic Community of West
African States ​(ECOWAS) sent 150 election observers led by Dr. Babacar
N’diaye from Senegal to monitor the presidential election from February
26 to March 5, 2010. The ​European Union (​ EU) sent 30 long-term
observers and 100 short-term observers led by José Manuel
García-Margallo of Spain to monitor the presidential elections from
January 19 to March 23, 2010. The ​African Union (​ AU), ​Economic and
Monetary Union of West Africa ​(​Union Economique et Monétaire Ouest
Africaine​-UEMOA), ​Community of Sahel-Saharan States ​(​Communauté
des Etats Sahélo-Sahariens-​ CEN-SAD), and ​Organisation Internationale
de la Francophonie ​(OIF) sent observers to monitor the presidential
election. Opposition political parties claimed election fraud. On March
18, 2010, the Constitutional Court confirmed the re-election of President
Faure Gnassingbé in the March 4th presidential election.

Post-Crisis Phase (March 19, 2010-present): The government banned

political demonstrations on March 26, 2010. Gilchrest Olympio, leader of
the ​Union of Forces for Change (​ ​Union des Forces du
Changement-​UFC), agreed to join a coalition government on May 27,
2010. On September 1, 2010, former Defense Minister Kpatcha
Gnassingbé, who was arrested by government security forces in April
2010, went on trial in the Supreme Court for plotting to overthrow
President Faure Gnassingbé. Former Defense Minister Kpatcha
Gnassingbé was sentenced by the Supreme Court to 20 years in prison
on September 15, 2011. Ten government policemen and 17 protesters
were injured in demonstrations against electoral reforms in Lomé on
June 12-14, 2012. Legislative elections were held on July 25, 2013, and
the ​Union for the Republic ​(​Union pour la République-​ UR) won 62 out of
91 seats in the National Assembly. The ​Save Togo Collective (​ ​Collectif
​ ST) won 19 seats in the National Assembly. The
Sauvons le Togo-C
Economic Community of West African States (​ ECOWAS) sent 80
observers led by Ambassador Leopold Ouédraogo of Burkina Faso to
monitor the legislative elections. The ​African Union (​ AU) sent 32
observers led by Kabine Komara of Guinea to monitor the legislative
elections from July 16 to July 31, 2013.

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