Togo Considers Joining the Alliance of Sahel States Amidst Regional Shifts
Togo is exploring membership in the Alliance of Sahel States, comprising Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. This move could enhance access to ports and facilitate economic cooperation, particularly addressing the needs of landlocked nations facing jihadist threats. The decision may challenge Togo’s relationship with ECOWAS, raising concerns regarding regional stability and political transitions.
Togo is actively seeking to become part of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), a group consisting of junta-led Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. Foreign Minister Robert Dussey has emphasized the importance of Togo’s potential membership, which could provide essential port access to these landlocked countries. His statement on social media indicated that membership could enhance regional cooperation, offering significant benefits to all member nations.
Access to a port is particularly vital for these countries that face jihadist threats, as the recent political shifts have pushed them to utilize Togo’s port in Lome and Ghana’s Tema port. Analysts suggest that Togo’s inclusion in the AES could facilitate economic solidarity, including access to Nigerien oil and improved trade routes. According to political analyst Madi Djabakate, Togo’s membership may also bolster military cooperation and intelligence sharing among neighboring countries.
The AES leaders are currently battling increased jihadist activities within their borders and aim to form a 5,000-strong joint military force. Togo’s endorsement of the AES’s strategy aligns it with nations that have distanced themselves from Western influence in favor of new alliances with Russia and others. Djabakate noted that by engaging with the AES, Togo contributes to a narrative of African unity.
President Faure Gnassingbe’s administration is facing criticism for a new constitution that could allow him to extend his political tenure indefinitely. Political scientists like Francis Akindes highlight the shared political structures and aspirations of Togo and the AES countries, while Nathaniel Olympio warns of the ramifications of Togo’s possible withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Togo maintains a historically positive relationship with the military regimes of the AES countries and has acted as a mediator between ECOWAS and these states. While Djabakate believes Togo can simultaneously belong to both ECOWAS and AES, the shift towards AES could signal a troubling trend for ECOWAS, potentially speeding its disintegration amidst Togo’s strategic maneuvering.
In conclusion, Togo’s potential membership in the Alliance of Sahel States represents a strategic initiative to enhance regional cooperation and economic ties with its landlocked neighbors. While this move could provide new opportunities, it also raises concerns about Togo’s relationship with ECOWAS and regional stability. The unfolding dynamics of alliances in West Africa will be pivotal in shaping Togo’s political landscape and its approach to governance.
Original Source: thedefensepost.com
