Togo is considering joining the Alliance of Sahel States, indicating a shift in West African geopolitics amid declining ECOWAS influence. Togo aims to enhance regional cooperation and security. This move could economically benefit landlocked AES nations while raising concerns about governance pressures and the impact on ECOWAS’s cohesion.
Togo is indicating a potential shift in its geopolitical alignment by exploring membership in the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), which includes Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, all of which are currently governed by military administrations. This exploration comes amidst a declining influence of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), particularly after the recent withdrawal of the three aforementioned nations.
Togo’s Foreign Minister, Robert Dussey, has articulated the nation’s interest in joining AES, noting that such a membership could enhance regional cooperation and provide maritime access to the landlocked member countries. He remarked on social media, “Togo is considering joining the AES, a strategic decision that could strengthen regional cooperation and offer access to the sea to member countries.”
The potential alliance could significantly impact Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, who struggle with jihadist insurgencies and economic woes by granting them port access through Togo’s Lomé port. As relations become strained between these Sahel states and ECOWAS members like Ivory Coast and Benin, trade routes are increasingly shifting towards Togo.
Political analyst Madi Djabakate emphasized that formalizing this connection could yield economic advantages, such as expanded trade routes and access to Nigerien oil, alongside potential security enhancements through military cooperation and intelligence sharing. Given the escalating threat from jihadist militants in northern Togo, aligning with the AES could be a prudent security strategy.
Moreover, Togo’s inclination towards the AES underscores a broader pan-African sentiment, with leaders advocating for regional unity. Djabakate further noted that the move could contribute to a narrative of solidarity among historically divided nations. Furthermore, domestic political considerations may play a role, as President Faure Gnassingbé navigates criticism regarding potential indefinite rule changes, a situation that may push him towards aligning with the AES, which exhibits a reluctance toward Western democratic reforms.
Opposition figure Nathaniel Olympio cautioned against this pivot, asserting that AES membership might shield Togo from ECOWAS’s pressures on governance, stating, “Membership of the AES would protect its regime from the constraints of ECOWAS on respect for the rule of law and public freedoms.” As ECOWAS itself contends with cohesion issues following the departure of the Sahelian nations, Togo’s potential decision could further complicate the bloc’s stability.
Despite exploring AES membership, analysts believe Togo may not entirely forsake its ties to ECOWAS. Djabakate highlighted that Togo could effectively maintain dual affiliations, emphasizing that partnerships can be flexible. Nevertheless, others warn that joining AES may exacerbate ECOWAS’s fragmentation. Seidik Abba remarked, “Togo joining the AES would speed up its disintegration,” underscoring the critical nature of Togo’s upcoming decisions on the geopolitical landscape in West Africa.
In conclusion, Togo’s potential shift towards the Alliance of Sahel States signals a significant realignment in West African geopolitics, particularly as ECOWAS faces declining influence. The country’s strategic interests in maritime access, security cooperation, and regional solidarity with Sahel states may motivate its decision. Togo’s actions could either reinforce the fragile unity of ECOWAS or further empower the rising Sahel bloc, potentially reshaping the region’s political dynamics.
Original Source: www.pulse.ng
