During a significant diplomatic gathering in Lomé this past Saturday, Togo officially introduced its updated security and geopolitical framework designed for the Sahel region.
The summit served as a rare meeting point for delegates from both the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). High-level observers from the European Union and France were also in attendance to witness the proceedings.
This diplomatic push seeks to restore communication channels with the leadership in Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali. These nations have recently moved away from ECOWAS and traditional Western alliances, opting instead for closer ties with Russia.
“Togo intends to leverage its diplomatic experience and regional influence to promote stability, serving as a vital connection between Sahelian nations and the global community,” noted Robert Dussey, the Togolese Minister of Foreign Affairs.
The 2026-2028 Togolese strategy for the Sahel is built upon five fundamental objectives. These include maintaining political discourse with the AES, fostering international and regional partnerships, combating extremist violence, and enhancing economic ties across the zone.
AES delegates responded positively to the proposal, indicating a willingness to deepen collaborative efforts. Malian Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop emphasized that “effective security partnerships must involve the removal of antagonistic foreign entities that work to undermine or destabilize nearby nations.”
Currently, the AES member states are battling persistent insurgencies from militants affiliated with the Islamic State and Al-Qaeda. This violence has resulted in thousands of casualties and is increasingly threatening coastal neighbors like Bénin and Togo as extremist groups expand their reach.