The United States established diplomatic relations with Togo in 1960 following its independence from a French-administered trusteeship. Several coups and assassinations took place between 1960 and 1967, culminating with a coup in 1967 by General Gnassingbe Eyadema who then ruled until 2005. The current president, Faure Gnassingbe, is Eyadema’s son. While he came to power in flawed elections in 2005, under his rule Togo has demonstrated gradual democratic improvement, holding legislative elections in 2013 and a presidential vote in 2015 that were deemed credible by the international community. Today Togo is benefitting from economic growth, gradual democratic reform leading to greater transparency, and a steady professionalization of its security sector, due in part to U.S. assistance. The United States and Togo have had generally good relations, and the United States seeks to work with Togo to consolidate democratic gains and economic growth.