Eugene Koffi Adoboli

Eugène Koffi Adoboli (3 October 1934 – 23 April 2025) was a Togolese politician. He was Prime Minister of Togo from 21 May 1999 to 31 August 2000. In 2011 he was sentenced to five years in jail in absentia stemming from an embezzlement scandal while he was Prime Minister.

Life and career Adoboli was named Prime Minister on 21 May 1999, replacing Kwassi Klutse. He had previously been an international civil servant at the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) in Geneva and the United Nations Joint Inspection Unit for over 40 years. At the time of his appointment by President Gnassingbé Eyadéma following the March 1999 parliamentary election, Adoboli was virtually unknown in Togolese politics. During his tenure, Adoboli faced criticism of his inability to improve Togo's economic position. Adoboli met with Secretary General of the United Nations Kofi Annan on 9 July 2000. On 27 August 2000, Adoboli resigned as prime minister and Eyadéma accepted his resignation. Togolese Communication Minister Koffi Panou announced the move, which came a day after the legislature conducted a vote of no confidence against his government. Eyadéma appointed Agbéyomé Kodjo to replace Adoboli on 29 August.

Adoboli moved to Switzerland in 2002.

In 2011, he was accused of embezzling 800 million CFA francs in a construction project in Lomé in 1999 while he was prime minister. The villas were intended to be used by leaders at a summit of the Organisation for African Unity. In July, he was one of three individuals sentenced to five years in prison in absentia for his role in embezzling the funds. Adoboli denied the accusation, stating, "At no time have I dipped into the accounts of the Togolese government. This judgement borders on the ridiculous and does not honour our country." Instead, he insisted that Togo owed him money.

Adoboli died while in exile in Switzerland, on 23 April 2025, at the age of 90.