In an interview with Cameroonian journalist Jules Domche, Alain Foka spoke candidly about the reasons behind establishing his company Mansa in Lomé, Togo. The former leading face of RFI maintains he chose this destination consciously, openly acknowledging his ties to the current government.
“Lomé is one of the largest hubs on the continent,” he emphasizes. He argues that the Togolese capital attracts financial institutions, corporate headquarters and represents a “small haven of peace.” In this context, he asks, “Why not Lomé?”
Foka does not shy away from criticism or suspicions raised by his frequent visits to Togo. He openly admits having a longstanding relationship with the Gnassingbé family. “I think I’ve never hidden—and I said this during our last meeting—that I’ve enjoyed a privileged relationship, thank God, with the Gnassingbé family for many years,” he states, adding that he’s been visiting the country for over 30 years.
To those questioning his potential closeness to President Faure Gnassingbé, he replies, “I take responsibility for this friendship. I take responsibility for this closeness, if you’d like.” However, he clarifies he doesn’t believe in friendship with a head of state, underscoring that he knew the president long before he assumed power.
Regarding the creation of the think tank Mansa, Foka believes anyone would have agreed to establish it in their own country had they had the means. “Togo has honored us by welcoming us. Would anyone have said no to that?” he asks.
As some accuse him of serving a political cause or praising the current government, Alain Foka defends himself: “I’m a journalist, I’m an opinion leader today. I express opinions. I make proposals. They may be poor or mediocre, but at least I propose something.”
Verbatim
It is one of the continent’s major hubs. Moreover, Lomé hosts many things. Numerous financial institutions are established in this city. Many companies set up their headquarters here because it is a small haven of peace. Truthfully, why not Lomé? I find it hard to understand why this is even questioned.
Yes, some people indeed ask: “Why Togo?” Perhaps because they sense a certain repetition regarding Togo in what I do.
I don’t think I’ve ever kept it a secret—and I said this during our last meeting—that I’ve had a privileged relationship, thank God, and I’m honored by it, with the Gnassingbé family for years. Do you know how many years I’ve known this family? It didn’t start yesterday. I’ve been visiting this country for at least thirty years. And Togo has given us the honor of welcoming us, that’s a fact.
Would anyone have said no if they had been given the means to establish their own think tank, Mansa, in their country? I don’t think so.
“Own up to your friendship with President Faure,” I’m sometimes told. However, I recall telling you that heads of state don’t have friends, that you can’t truly be friends with a head of state. And it’s true. One isn’t really the friend of a head of state. But me, I knew the president before he became one. Today, I don’t feel that such friendship alone binds us.
I don’t really believe in friendship with a head of state. We can collaborate, yes, but that’s different. He knew we had a project. We negotiated. We wanted to be here, in Togo, to establish Mansa. He agreed, and he is not hostile toward us. There’s no debate about it. I own this friendship. I own this proximity, if you’d prefer.
People talk about a cult around the president because he prepared a constitutional amendment, as has been done elsewhere, and they attribute this to me… I’m almost flattered to hear I would hold such power! If only I had such influence… Apparently, people grant me impressive clout.
When I learned a man had been arrested, I asked the question: why? But this gentleman had apparently been released. He recognized his mistakes. I don’t wish to get involved in this debate. What I want is for people to understand I’m a journalist and currently an opinion leader. I express my opinions, sometimes positive ones.
What else can I do? I propose things. My proposals may be bad, perhaps even mediocre, but at least I propose. And it’s from these proposals that we can build something.