Lomé, Togo – A delegation from the North Dakota National Guard (NDNG) recently traveled to Lomé, Togo, to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the State Partnership Program (SPP) between the two regions.
The SPP officially paired North Dakota with Togo in April 2014, fostering a strong bond of friendship and cooperation over the past decade.
“This journey, which began 10 years ago, has blossomed into a remarkable partnership,” said U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Al Dohrmann, NDNG adjutant general.
A key highlight of the anniversary celebration was the dedication of a new National Emergency Operations Center in Lomé. The NDNG played a crucial role in advancing the training and equipping of this vital facility, collaborating with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Disaster preparedness is a cornerstone of the NDNG’s engagement with Togo. The Guard routinely deploys personnel from public health, fire, and police departments alongside National Guardsmen to share expertise.
Another significant area of collaboration is counter-IED awareness training. Togo’s peacekeeping missions in Africa and experiences with border conflicts have made such training invaluable. The NDNG leverages experience gained from deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan to equip Togolese forces with best practices.
The partnership extends beyond military cooperation. The NDNG’s 164th Regional Training Institute has partnered with the Togo Armed Forces Non-Commissioned Officer Academy to update curriculum and empower NCOs. Additionally, the NDNG has trained over 800 Togolese first responders.
“The State Partnership Program exemplifies the collaborative spirit guiding U.S.-African relations,” said U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Kenneth Ekman, U.S. Africa Command Strategy, Engagement and Programs director.
The program is funded by the National Guard Bureau and the U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM), ensuring no financial burden falls on the state of North Dakota. In total, the NDNG has undertaken over 300 engagements with its three partner countries in Africa – Ghana, Togo, and Benin.
The brainchild of the post-Cold War era, the SPP was established in 1993 to foster security cooperation and encourage international partnerships.
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