During a high-level summit in Lomé this Saturday, Togo introduced its latest security and geopolitical framework designed for the Sahel region.
The conference facilitated discussions between members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). International observers, including representatives from the European Union and France, were also in attendance.
This diplomatic effort seeks to rebuild communication channels with the leadership of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. These nations have recently distanced themselves from ECOWAS and traditional Western allies, opting instead to strengthen their relationship with Russia.
“Togo is prepared to leverage its diplomatic expertise and regional influence to support stability, serving as a vital bridge between the Sahel and the international community,” stated Robert Dussey, the Togolese Minister of Foreign Affairs.
The Togolese strategy for 2026-2028 is built upon five fundamental pillars. These include maintaining political dialogue with the AES, fostering regional and global cooperation, intensifying the fight against terrorism, and driving deeper economic integration within the region.
Delegates from the AES reacted positively to the new roadmap, indicating an interest in further collaboration.
“Effective security cooperation must involve ending the presence of hostile foreign elements that participate in activities meant to destabilize or undermine neighboring territories,” remarked Abdoulaye Diop, the Malian Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Currently, the member states of the Alliance of Sahel States are battling persistent insurgencies from groups linked to the Islamic State and Al-Qaeda. This violence has resulted in thousands of casualties and the loss of control over significant portions of their land.
Furthermore, these extremist factions are increasingly pushing their operations toward coastal nations, including Togo and Bénin.
