Togo recently unveiled a comprehensive geopolitical and security roadmap for the Sahel during a significant summit held in Lomé on Saturday.
This high-level gathering brought together representatives from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). The meeting also saw participation from international delegates, including representatives from France and the European Union.
A new diplomatic channel for West Africa
The primary objective of this initiative is to re-establish dialogue with the administrations of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. These three nations have increasingly distanced themselves from ECOWAS and their historical Western allies, opting for closer cooperation with Russia in recent years.
“Togo is prepared to offer its mediation expertise and regional influence to promote stability, serving as a bridge between the Sahel and the global community,” stated Robert Dussey, the Togolese Minister of Foreign Affairs.
The five pillars of Togo’s Sahel strategy
The strategic plan for 2026-2028 is built upon five fundamental objectives:
- Fostering political dialogue with the AES.
- Strengthening regional and international partnerships.
- Intensifying the fight against extremist violence.
- Promoting deeper regional economic integration.
- Utilizing diplomatic mediation to resolve conflicts.
Delegates from the AES expressed a positive outlook on the new strategy and indicated their willingness to pursue further collaboration. However, Malian Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop noted that true security cooperation requires ending the presence of foreign forces that might destabilize neighboring countries.
Currently, the nations within the Alliance of Sahel States are battling persistent insurgencies from groups affiliated with the Islamic State and Al-Qaeda. These violent movements have caused significant loss of life and are now expanding their reach toward coastal territories, including Togo and Bénin.
