Togo Weighs Alliance of Sahel States Membership Amid Regional Shifts
Togo is reportedly considering joining the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), a decision that could mark a significant realignment in West African regional politics. This potential move was hinted at by Togolese Minister of Foreign Affairs, Robert Dussey, during a recent interview with Voxafrica. While no formal decision has been made, Dussey emphasized that integration into the AES is a possibility, stating, “It is the decision of the president of the republic, but it is not impossible.”
Dussey’s remarks reflect broader frustrations with the current geopolitical landscape in West Africa, particularly with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). He criticized the lack of true sovereignty in Africa, asserting that the continent often serves the interests of external powers rather than its own. He also highlighted Assimi Goïta’s leadership in Mali as an opportunity for the Sahel region, suggesting that AES provides a new framework for addressing regional challenges.
The Alliance of Sahel States, formed by Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, emerged as an alternative bloc after their withdrawal from ECOWAS in early 2024. The three nations, all led by military regimes that came to power through coups, cited ECOWAS’s perceived failure to support their anti-terrorism efforts and its alignment with France as key reasons for their departure. Their decision sparked tensions with ECOWAS, which imposed economic sanctions in response. After a one-year notice period required for official withdrawal, the alliance was formally recognized by ECOWAS in December 2024.
For Togo, membership in the AES could offer both opportunities and challenges. The country’s strategic location as a coastal state with the bustling port city of Lomé would provide the AES’s landlocked members—Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger—with vital access to international trade routes. This economic integration could strengthen ties among the Sahelian nations while diversifying Togo’s regional alliances. Dussey expressed confidence that Togolese citizens would support the move, stating, “Ask the Togolese people if they want to join the AES; I think they’d say yes.”
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However, joining the AES would almost certainly require Togo to leave ECOWAS, deepening the fragmentation of West Africa’s political landscape. Such a shift would reflect deeper socio-political divides between the AES member states and the broader ECOWAS bloc. ECOWAS, traditionally a cornerstone of West African integration, has faced increasing criticism for its handling of regional crises, including coups and terrorism. The AES nations argue that ECOWAS’s reliance on France and its limited efficacy in addressing security concerns have diminished its credibility.
Togo’s potential departure from ECOWAS would follow a growing trend of countries reevaluating their affiliations with traditional regional organizations. The AES has positioned itself as a bold alternative, advocating for a more autonomous and locally-driven approach to governance and security in the Sahel. This reflects a broader push across Africa to reduce dependency on former colonial powers and assert greater control over regional affairs.
The implications of Togo’s possible integration into the AES extend beyond regional politics. The move would signal a significant realignment in West Africa’s power dynamics, potentially emboldening other nations dissatisfied with ECOWAS to explore alternative alliances. Furthermore, it underscores the ongoing challenge of maintaining regional unity in the face of political upheaval and shifting alliances.
As Togo contemplates this decision, it must weigh the benefits of aligning with the AES against the risks of severing ties with ECOWAS. The outcome will likely depend on how President Faure Gnassingbé and his administration perceive the balance between economic opportunities, political stability, and national sovereignty. Whatever the decision, it will mark a critical juncture in the evolving landscape of West African geopolitics.
