Togo ‘to join’ West African military govts-led regional alliance

Togo is openly considering joining the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), a regional bloc formed by the military-led governments of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger—an alliance that could reshape trade and security dynamics in West Africa.

Foreign Minister Robert Dussey has intensified engagement with the AES, which was initially established in 2023 as a defense pact but has since evolved into a broader framework for cooperation. In January, Dussey suggested that membership was “not impossible,” but he recently signaled a stronger commitment.

“Togo is considering joining the AES, a strategic decision that could strengthen regional cooperation and offer access to the sea to member countries,” Dussey stated in a social media post last week.

For Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger—landlocked nations battling jihadist insurgencies—access to a coastal port is crucial. Strained relations with Ivory Coast and Benin, seen as aligning too closely with Western powers, have already prompted them to shift trade routes through Togo’s Lomé port and Ghana’s Tema port. Analysts suggest that Togo’s potential membership could further solidify these links.

“There’s the hope of economic solidarity: access to Nigerien oil, renewed trade routes,” said Togolese political analyst Madi Djabakate. “Togo could also benefit from more agile military cooperation, intelligence sharing with its neighbors.”

Northern Togo, bordering Burkina Faso, has seen a rise in jihadist activity, making security collaboration with its Sahelian neighbors increasingly relevant. The AES has pledged to form a joint military force of 5,000 troops, a move that aligns with Togo’s endorsement of the bloc’s sovereignty-focused policies.

Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso have distanced themselves from France and Western alliances, forging closer ties with Russia and other partners. Djabakate sees Togo’s engagement as part of a larger trend.

“By engaging with the AES, Togo is part of a pan-African narrative where nations, long divided, are learning to stand together,” he said.

President Faure Gnassingbé, in power since 2005, has embraced a pan-African stance that resonates with a growing segment of the population. Djabakate argues that this position strengthens his hold on power.

Togo’s overtures to the AES have also sparked questions about its future with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Some observers see the move as a strategic distraction from domestic political tensions, particularly opposition concerns over constitutional changes that could extend Gnassingbé’s rule.

“We are faced with a logic of an ongoing hold on power, refusal of a transition, that Togo shares with the three countries of the AES,” said Francis Akindes, a sociologist and professor at Ivory Coast’s Bouaké University.

Nathaniel Olympio, a key opposition figure, warned that aligning with the AES could shield Togo’s leadership from ECOWAS oversight on governance and democratic standards.

“Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso have already exited ECOWAS, accusing it of being influenced by France and ineffective in tackling jihadism,” Olympio noted.

Despite these tensions, some analysts believe Togo can maintain ties with both ECOWAS and the AES.

“Alliances aren’t marriages, but rather partnerships,” Djabakate said. “Togo is not turning away from ECOWAS, especially since its port at Lomé is a vital artery for the entire region.”

However, Seidik Abba, head of the International Center for Studies and Reflections on the Sahel, warned that Togo’s shift toward the AES could further destabilize ECOWAS.