Togo Might Dump ECOWAS, Weighs Joining Alliance of Sahel States Amid Rift
Togo is exploring the possibility of joining the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), a move that could reshape its regional alliances and mark a significant shift in West African geopolitics. Togolese Minister of Foreign Affairs, Robert Dussey, recently expressed openness to the idea, describing the potential integration as “not far-fetched.”
Speaking to Voxafrica, Dussey noted that while the decision ultimately rests with President Faure Gnassingbé, the prospect of joining the AES is a realistic consideration. “Ask the Togolese people if they want to join the AES; I think they’d say yes,” he remarked.
A Shift in Regional Dynamics
The AES, formed by Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, emerged earlier this year as a response to frustrations with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The three member states, all governed by military juntas following coups, accused ECOWAS of failing to address their security concerns and of being overly influenced by former colonial power France.
Togo’s potential membership in the AES would likely mean its withdrawal from ECOWAS, given the ideological and political differences between the two blocs. Dussey alluded to these tensions, lamenting Africa’s lack of true sovereignty. “Africa is only used to serve the great powers, and this is not normal,” he stated.
Strategic Implications for Togo
If Togo joins the AES, it could open the port city of Lomé to increased maritime cooperation with the landlocked Sahelian nations of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. This partnership could bolster trade and economic ties within the AES while providing the Sahel states with vital access to the Atlantic Ocean.
However, such a move would also signal a break from ECOWAS, which has been a cornerstone of West African integration. Togo has traditionally played a mediating role in regional disputes, and its departure from ECOWAS could alter the bloc’s balance of power.
The Rise of the AES
The AES was officially recognized as separate from ECOWAS in December 2024, following months of diplomatic tensions. ECOWAS had initially imposed sanctions on Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger in response to their secession but later accepted their withdrawal during the 66th Ordinary Session of Heads of State and Government in Abuja.
The alliance has since positioned itself as an alternative regional bloc focused on security cooperation and reducing external influence, particularly from France. Togolese Foreign Minister Dussey praised the leadership of Mali’s Assimi Goïta, calling his rise to power “an opportunity” for the Sahel region.
What’s Next for Togo?
While no official decision has been made, Togo’s potential shift toward the AES reflects broader debates about sovereignty, regional cooperation, and the legacy of colonialism in Africa. Should Togo join the AES, it would signal a deepening divide within West Africa and a potential reconfiguration of regional alliances.
For now, the decision lies with Togo’s leadership, but the implications of such a move would undoubtedly ripple across the region, reshaping the dynamics of power and cooperation in West Africa.
