Skip to main content

Israel steps up West Africa diplomacy with new envoy to Togo

1 min Oren Levi

Amid shifting regional dynamics and fresh diplomatic momentum following a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, Israel is stepping up its outreach in Africa. 

Simon Seroussi © Mena Today 

Simon Seroussi © Mena Today 

Amid shifting regional dynamics and fresh diplomatic momentum following a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, Israel is stepping up its outreach in Africa. 

On Friday, Simon Seroussi presented his credentials to Togolese President Jean-Lucien Savi de Tové, officially taking up his post as Israel’s new ambassador to Togo.

Although based in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, Seroussi’s accreditation to Lomé signals a new phase in the relationship between Israel and Togo, a country long considered a friendly and strategic partner in West Africa.

Seroussi brings a strong combination of academic excellence and field experience to his new role. A graduate of Harvard Kennedy School and holder of a Master’s in International Relations from the University of Cambridge, he is also a fluent French speaker.

His diplomatic career has taken him to France, Poland, Hungary, and most recently Cameroon, giving him a broad perspective that bridges both European and African contexts.

“Togo is a strategic partner in the region, and we intend to further strengthen what is already a solid cooperation,” Seroussi stated shortly after his credential ceremony.

A Strong and Growing Partnership

Togo and Israel maintain close cooperation in several sectors, including rural development, healthcare, vocational training, and agriculture. 

Over the years, hundreds of Togolese professionals have been trained in Israel through programs led by Israel’s Agency for International Development Cooperation (MASHAV).

The ambassador’s arrival comes just 24 hours after the announcement of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas — a breakthrough brokered with the help of U.S. President Donald Trump.

In this context, Seroussi’s mission carries strategic weight: not only to support Israel’s diplomatic reset in the region but also to solidify partnerships with West African countries — with Togo as a pivotal player.

Oren Levi

Oren Levi

Oren Levi knows this region the way only a native can. Based in Tel Aviv, he has spent years covering the complexities of Israel and the Palestinian territories for some of the country's leading newspapers and television channels. Sharp, well-sourced and relentlessly on the ground, he brought that expertise to Mena Today two years ago, and hasn't looked up from the story since.

Related

Lebanon

US mediates fresh Israel-Lebanon dialogue

The latest round of U.S.-facilitated talks between Israel and Lebanon began on Tuesday in Rome and will continue through Thursday, State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said.

Iran

Iran denies diplomatic breakthrough with US

Iran said on Monday there were no talks under way with the United States and no plans for any meetings, contradicting U.S. President Donald Trump, who had cited talks he said would take place that afternoon as justification for calling off attacks.

Palestine

Singapore police question Massive Attack after performance

The British band Massive Attack said its members were detained by Singapore police and "isolated and separately questioned" after the two performers raised a Palestinian flag at their concert in the city-state last Wednesday.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Mena banner 4

To make this website run properly and to improve your experience, we use cookies. For more detailed information, please check our Cookie Policy.

  • Necessary cookies enable core functionality. The website cannot function properly without these cookies, and can only be disabled by changing your browser preferences.