Togo is exploring membership in the Alliance of Sahel States, seeking greater regional cooperation and access to maritime trade. This move poses a challenge to ECOWAS, already weakened by the departure of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. Analysts discuss the potential economic and security benefits, while concerns are raised over the impact on governance and regional dynamics.
Togo is indicating a shift in its geopolitical alignments by considering membership in the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), comprised of military-led Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. This decision could jeopardize the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which is already weakened by the departure of these three nations. Togo’s Foreign Minister, Robert Dussey, has expressed interest in the alliance, emphasizing its potential benefits for regional cooperation and economic access through the port of Lomé.
The coastal access that Togo provides could be beneficial for the landlocked Sahel nations struggling with economic and security crises due to persistent jihadist challenges. Notably, Togo’s ports have already attracted some trade from the Sahel states amid rising tensions with ECOWAS members like Ivory Coast and Benin. Analysts highlight that formalizing the relationship could yield significant economic and security enhancements for Togo and its neighbors.
Political analyst Madi Djabakate mentioned the prospect of “economic solidarity” through access to resources such as Nigerien oil, as well as increased military cooperation and intelligence sharing. Given the rise in jihadist violence in northern Togo, Togo’s alignment with the AES’s plan to establish a joint military force is particularly timely.
Additionally, Togo’s increasing engagement with the AES aligns with a pan-Africanist ideology, promoting unity among historically divided nations, as noted by Djabakate. Some analysts also suggest domestic political factors play a role in Togo’s new direction. President Faure Gnassingbé, criticized for potential changes to extend his rule, might perceive the AES as a means to distance Togo from pressures for political reforms imposed by ECOWAS.
Opposition figure Nathaniel Olympio cautioned that Togo’s decision to join the AES could lead to significant drawbacks for governance in the region. The AES’s resistance to Western democratic principles could allow Togo’s government to avoid scrutiny on human rights issues. Analysts remark that, despite Togo’s potential shift, it is unlikely to completely sever ties with ECOWAS, with Djabakate suggesting that maintaining dual affiliations is possible.
However, some experts warn that Togo’s possible membership in the AES could further contribute to the fragmentation of ECOWAS. According to Seidik Abba, head of the International Center for Studies and Reflections on the Sahel, “Togo joining the AES would speed up its disintegration.” As West Africa’s political dynamics continue to evolve, Togo’s decisions in the upcoming months will be critical in defining the balance of power in the region.
In conclusion, Togo’s consideration of joining the Alliance of Sahel States marks a significant geopolitical shift that could undermine ECOWAS’s stability. With its coastal access and potential for economic and military collaboration, Togo’s strategic move reflects a combination of regional solidarity and domestic political considerations. Observers anticipate that this realignment may either enhance cooperation among Sahel nations or further fracture West African unity, thereby demanding close attention in the coming months.
Original Source: www.pulse.ng
