Robert Dussey trained as a Catholic monk before becoming Togo's foreign minister. He studied at St. Paul's Seminary and joined the Franciscan order as a young man. The minister gave up his religious robes and started wearing suits to government meetings. Dussey has served as foreign minister since 2013 under President Faure Gnassingbe. He calls his political work an accident that turned into a mission for humanity.
The former monk says he entered politics without planning it. President Gnassingbe asked him to serve first as diplomatic advisor and later as minister. Dussey believes his religious background helps him focus on human dignity and justice. He took over foreign affairs during major global changes and regional conflicts. The minister worked to rebuild Togo's relationships with other countries.
Dussey promotes Pan-African ideas and seeks reparations for historical wrongs. He argues that slavery and colonialism were crimes against humanity rather than simple mistakes. The minister speaks about these issues during trips to European nations. African Union leaders approved his proposal to classify these acts as genocide. Togo will host the 9th Pan-African Congress in December 2025.
The former monk says he entered politics without planning it. President Gnassingbe asked him to serve first as diplomatic advisor and later as minister. Dussey believes his religious background helps him focus on human dignity and justice. He took over foreign affairs during major global changes and regional conflicts. The minister worked to rebuild Togo's relationships with other countries.
Dussey promotes Pan-African ideas and seeks reparations for historical wrongs. He argues that slavery and colonialism were crimes against humanity rather than simple mistakes. The minister speaks about these issues during trips to European nations. African Union leaders approved his proposal to classify these acts as genocide. Togo will host the 9th Pan-African Congress in December 2025.
