Togo is considering joining the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), a coalition of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, as a means to enhance regional cooperation and access to crucial trade routes. Foreign Minister Robert Dussey has expressed strategic interest in this alliance, while concerns about implications for Togo’s relationship with ECOWAS and the political landscape are raised. Analysts suggest Togo could benefit from military cooperation and economic ties through AES membership, despite potential risks to its current alliances.
Togo is actively pursuing membership in the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), a coalition of junta-led nations including Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. This move is significant, as access to Togo’s port could provide critical logistical support for these landlocked countries affected by jihadist violence. Foreign Minister Robert Dussey has expressed that joining the AES is a strategic opportunity for enhanced regional cooperation and trade.
The AES was established as a defense pact in 2023, but its current focus is on achieving greater integration among its members. Dussey indicated that Togo’s potential membership could enhance economic ties by providing access to important resources like Nigerien oil and facilitating trade routes. Additionally, analysts suggest that Togo could benefit from increased military collaboration and intelligence sharing with its northern neighbors, who are confronting significant security challenges.
The Sahelian countries have been plagued by rising jihadist activity, particularly in northern Togo near the Burkina Faso border. AES leaders, having taken power through coups, are consolidating a joint military force to combat these threats. Togo aligns with this approach, supporting the juntas’ commitment to reclaiming national sovereignty.
Under President Faure Gnassingbe, who has been in power since 2005, Togo is likely to align itself with the pan-African ethos championed by the AES. The regime’s growing affinity for this alliance could serve to reinforce its hold on power amidst domestic and external scrutiny over governance and political transitions.
However, Togo’s growing inclination toward the AES raises questions about its relationship with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Critics, including opposition leader Nathaniel Olympio, warn that membership in the AES could allow Togo’s government to evade ECOWAS’s demands regarding rule of law and public freedoms. After quitting ECOWAS, Mali, Niger, and Burkina accused the bloc of pro-Western bias and ineffectiveness against jihadism.
Though some analysts argue that Togo could maintain dual membership in both ECOWAS and the AES, concerns persist about ECOWAS’s future stability. Togo’s strategic port in Lome remains a vital economic resource for the region, suggesting that while it explores new alliances, it does not aim to fully sever ties with existing organizations. However, the implications of Togo joining the AES could hasten a decline in ECOWAS influence, raising concerns over its potential fragmentation.
In summary, Togo’s interest in joining the Alliance of Sahel States reflects a desire for enhanced regional cooperation and economic solidarity among its neighbors facing security threats. While Togo’s membership may bolster its strategic importance, it simultaneously raises significant questions regarding the implications for its relationship with ECOWAS and the broader stability of the West African regional bloc. As Togo navigates these alliances, its actions will be closely monitored, particularly in light of domestic political dynamics and regional security challenges.
Original Source: thedefensepost.com
