U.S.-TOGO RELATIONS The United States established diplomatic relations with Togo in 1960, following its independence from a French-administered trusteeship. Several coups and assassinations took place between 1960 and 1967, culminating with a 1967 coup by General Gnassingbe Eyadema who then ruled until 2005. The current president, Faure Gnassingbe, is Eyadema’s son. While he came to power in a flawed 2005 election, the international community deemed subsequent elections generally free and fair. Today, Togo is going through a period of political upheaval as the historically divided opposition has united in an effort to prevent President Faure Gnassingbe from standing for a fourth presidential term in 2020. The government has undertaken significant economic reforms and gradual democratic reforms over the last several years, including professionalizing the security forces, in part through U.S. assistance. The United States and Togo have good relations. The United States seeks to work with Togo to consolidate democratic gains and economic growth. U.S. Assistance to Togo In fiscal year 2017, the United States provided $13.5 million in assistance to Togo, including $6 million in health funding and $0.3 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. 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 2018, Togo received approval for a Millennium Challenge Corporation Threshold program to aid continued economic reforms. 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 David Gilmour; 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.