Togo Considers Joining the Alliance of Sahel States Amid Shifting Regional Dynamics
Togo has not ruled out the possibility of joining the Alliance of sahel States (AES), a coalition currently comprising mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. This revelation came during an interview with Togolese Foreign Minister Robert Dussey on the Voxafrica television channel, as reported by AFP.
“It is the decision of the President of the Republic,” Dussey stated when questioned about Togo’s potential membership in the AES. He added, “It is indeed not impossible,” signaling a potential shift in Togo’s foreign policy. The minister further emphasized public sentiment, saying, “Ask the togolese people if Togo wants to join the AES, you will see their answer. I would tell you that they will say yes.”
The AES, formed by Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, has been a focal point of regional realignment. These three nations, all governed by military regimes, have expressed growing hostility toward France, their former colonial power. In January 2024, they announced their intention to withdraw from the economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), accusing the organization of being a tool for French influence. Their departure from ECOWAS is set to take effect on January 29.For the landlocked AES countries, Togo’s potential membership could provide a strategic advantage: access to the sea via the Port of Lomé, a critical gateway for importing and exporting goods. This move would bolster their economic independence and reduce reliance on traditional trade routes controlled by external powers.
A Shift Toward Pan-Africanism and New alliances
The AES nations have been actively distancing themselves from France, expelling French military forces and seeking closer ties with other global powers, notably Russia. This shift is part of a broader effort to counter jihadist insurgencies that have plagued the Sahel region for years.
Togolese President Faure Gnassingbé, who has been in power since 2005, has positioned himself as a key mediator in West African crises. His involvement in resolving tensions between Mali and Ivory Coast, as well as his role in negotiating with ECOWAS on behalf of Niger’s military junta, underscores his influence in the region.
Dussey’s comments reflect a growing sentiment of Pan-Africanism. “Africa is only used to serve the great powers, and that is not normal,” he declared during the interview. This statement aligns with the AES’s broader mission to prioritize African sovereignty and reduce external interference.
Balancing Act: Togo’s Relations with the West
despite the potential pivot toward the AES, Togo maintains strong ties with Western nations. France,in particular,views Togo as a stabilizing force in a volatile region. The Gnassingbé dynasty has historically enjoyed close relations with Paris, and Togo’s strategic importance remains a priority for French interests.
Simultaneously occurring, Togo has been expanding its diplomatic reach. In 2022, the country joined the Commonwealth, a move that signaled its desire to strengthen ties with English-speaking nations. Togo has also been courting Washington, aiming to benefit from U.S. advancement aid programs.
Key Takeaways
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Potential AES Membership | Togo is considering joining the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). |
| Strategic Importance | Access to the Port of lomé would benefit landlocked AES nations. |
| ECOWAS Withdrawal | Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso will leave ECOWAS on January 29, 2024. |
| Pan-African Sentiment | Togo emphasizes african sovereignty and reduced external interference. |
| Western Relations | Togo maintains strong ties with France and seeks closer ties with the U.S. |
A delicate Balancing Act
Togo’s potential alignment with the AES represents a delicate balancing act. While the move would strengthen regional solidarity and economic independence, it could strain relations with Western allies. As Dussey noted, “for us today, President Assimi Goïta is an opportunity for Mali,” highlighting the importance of regional leadership in shaping Africa’s future.
The coming months will be critical as Togo weighs its options. Will it join the AES and further solidify its role as a mediator in West Africa? Or will it continue to navigate the complex web of international relations, maintaining its ties with both the West and its African neighbors?
One thing is clear: Togo’s decision will have far-reaching implications for the region’s geopolitical landscape.
What are your thoughts on Togo’s potential membership in the AES? share your views in the comments below.
Togo’s Potential AES Membership: A Strategic Shift in West African Geopolitics
In a recent interview with Togolese Foreign Minister Robert Dussey, the possibility of Togo joining the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) was brought to light. The AES, currently comprising Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, represents a significant realignment in West African geopolitics, driven by a growing Pan-African sentiment and a desire to reduce external influence. This potential move could have profound implications for regional trade, security, and diplomatic relations.To delve deeper into this topic, we sat down with Dr. Amadou Diallo, a renowned expert on West African politics and regional integration, to discuss the implications of togo’s potential AES membership.
The Strategic Importance of Togo’s Potential AES Membership
Senior Editor: Dr. Diallo, thank you for joining us. Let’s start with the strategic implications. Why is Togo’s potential membership in the AES significant for the region?
Dr. Amadou Diallo: Thank you for having me.Togo’s potential membership is significant for several reasons. First, the AES nations—Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso—are landlocked, which limits thier access to international trade routes. Togo’s Port of Lomé is one of the most critical gateways in West africa, offering direct access to the sea. By joining the AES, Togo could provide these nations with a vital trade corridor, enhancing their economic independence and reducing reliance on traditional routes controlled by external powers. This would also strengthen regional solidarity and economic integration.
Senior Editor: How does this align with the AES’s broader goals of reducing external influence, notably from France?
Dr.Amadou Diallo: The AES has been vocal about its desire to distance itself from France, its former colonial power. By aligning with Togo, the AES could further its goal of reducing dependence on French-controlled trade routes and institutions. Togo’s strategic location and infrastructure make it a valuable partner in this endeavor. Additionally, Togo’s potential membership could signal a broader shift toward pan-Africanism, emphasizing African sovereignty and self-reliance.
Togo’s Balancing Act: Relations with the West and the AES
Senior Editor: Togo has historically maintained strong ties with Western nations, particularly France. How might this potential pivot toward the AES affect those relationships?
Dr. Amadou Diallo: This is where the balancing act comes into play. Togo has long been seen as a stabilizing force in the region, and its relationship with france has been a cornerstone of its foreign policy. However, joining the AES could strain these ties, especially given the AES’s anti-French stance. That said, Togo has been diversifying its diplomatic relationships in recent years, such as joining the Commonwealth in 2022 and strengthening ties with the United States. These moves suggest that Togo is positioning itself to navigate this complex geopolitical landscape without fully alienating its Western allies.
Senior Editor: How do you think Togolese president Faure Gnassingbé’s role as a mediator in regional crises factors into this decision?
Dr. Amadou Diallo: President Gnassingbé has positioned himself as a key mediator in West African conflicts, which gives Togo significant diplomatic leverage. His involvement in resolving tensions between Mali and Ivory Coast, and also his negotiations with ECOWAS on behalf of Niger’s military junta, underscores his influence. By potentially joining the AES, Togo could further solidify its role as a regional leader and mediator, enhancing its diplomatic standing. However, this move would also require careful navigation to avoid alienating other regional blocs like ECOWAS.
The Broader Implications for West Africa
Senior Editor: What are the broader implications of Togo’s potential AES membership for West Africa as a whole?
Dr. Amadou Diallo: Togo’s decision could have far-reaching consequences. on one hand,it could strengthen regional integration and economic cooperation among AES members,fostering a sense of solidarity and shared purpose.On the other hand, it could deepen the divide between the AES and ECOWAS, potentially leading to further fragmentation in West Africa. The AES’s withdrawal from ECOWAS, set to take effect on january 29, 2024, already signals a significant shift in regional dynamics. Togo’s potential membership could either exacerbate these tensions or serve as a bridge between the two blocs, depending on how it navigates its relationships.
looking Ahead: What’s Next for Togo and the AES?
Senior Editor: what do you think the coming months will hold for Togo and the AES?
Dr. Amadou Diallo: The coming months will be critical. Togo will need to carefully weigh the benefits of joining the AES against the potential risks to its relationships with Western nations and other regional blocs. The decision will likely hinge on domestic public sentiment, as Foreign Minister Dussey alluded to, as well as the broader geopolitical landscape. If Togo does join the AES,it could mark a significant turning point in West African geopolitics,with implications for trade,security,and regional integration. One thing is clear: togo’s decision will be closely watched by both its neighbors and the international community.
Senior Editor: Thank you, Dr. Diallo, for your insights. This is certainly a developing story with significant implications for the region.
Dr. Amadou Diallo: Thank you for having me.It’s a engaging and complex issue, and I look forward to seeing how it unfolds.
What are your thoughts on Togo’s potential membership in the AES? Share your views in the comments below.
