The partnership between the North Dakota National Guard and the Republic of Togo stands as a compelling example of how international cooperation can foster shared security, resilience, and mutual development. Established through the U.S. State Partnership Program, this alliance is designed to strengthen emergency preparedness and civil protection capabilities in Togo while promoting strategic collaboration between the two nations. A recent visit to Lomé by Brigadier General Mitchell Johnson and his delegation underscored the depth of this relationship, featuring high-level engagements with Togo’s Ministry of Security and Civil Protection and the Chief of Defense Staff. These meetings focused on identifying practical areas for cooperation, ranging from disaster response to institutional capacity building.
One of the most impactful outcomes of this partnership is the construction of a National Emergency Operations Center in Lomé, a project funded by U.S. Africa Command and managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Once completed, the center will serve as a central hub for coordinating disaster response efforts across the country, bringing together key agencies to streamline communication and improve operational efficiency during crises. The facility is expected to be fully operational by the end of the year, with ongoing support from the North Dakota National Guard to provide training, technical assistance, and equipment. This investment in infrastructure reflects a long-term commitment to enhancing Togo’s ability to respond to natural disasters, public health emergencies, and other threats to national stability.
Beyond physical infrastructure, the partnership is rooted in a shared vision for a safer and more resilient future. It emphasizes the importance of building local capacity, empowering communities, and fostering professional exchanges that strengthen institutional knowledge. Through joint exercises, workshops, and advisory support, the collaboration is helping to cultivate a culture of preparedness and responsiveness within Togo’s civil protection framework. It also serves as a model for how strategic alliances can deliver tangible benefits, especially in regions facing complex security and humanitarian challenges.
The relationship between the North Dakota National Guard and Togo is not merely symbolic, it is a dynamic and evolving partnership that reflects the power of solidarity and shared purpose. By investing in people, systems, and trust, both nations are demonstrating that security is not just about defense, it is about cooperation, resilience, and the ability to adapt together in a changing world.