Togo Considers Joining Junta-Led Alliance of Sahel States Amid Political Shift

Togo is exploring membership in the Alliance of Sahel States, which includes Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. This membership would provide vital port access for these landlocked nations. While Togo aims to strengthen regional cooperation and security against jihadism, the move also raises concerns regarding its relationship with ECOWAS and internal governance issues. Analysts predict mixed implications for Togo’s political landscape and regional stability.

Togo is contemplating joining an alliance comprising junta-led nations Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, a move that could significantly enhance access to the sea for these landlocked countries. This proposition follows remarks made by Foreign Minister Robert Dussey, who indicated last week on social media that Togo’s entry into the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) is being considered as a strategic decision to bolster regional cooperation and improve economic opportunities.

The accession to the AES holds significant potential for Togo as it could facilitate valuable port access for the involved countries that have faced limitations due to rising jihadist threats and tensions with neighboring countries like Ivory Coast and Benin. Analysts believe this alliance could open new trade avenues, including access to Niger’s oil and other strategic routes, allowing Togo to improve military cooperation and intelligence sharing in combating jihadism in the region.

Currently, jihadist activities have escalated in northern Togo, prompting concerns regarding national security. The AES has also maneuvered to tackle these threats with a collaborative troop force planned to enhance their defense capabilities. Togo’s endorsement of the junta’s focus on reclaiming sovereignty aligns with a broader shift among West African nations away from former colonial influences, indicated by their recently strengthened ties with Russia.

However, Togo’s engagement with the AES could be perceived as an attempt to divert attention from criticisms regarding its internal political stability and governance. This includes a contentious new constitution perceived by opposition groups as a mechanism for President Faure Gnassingbe to extend his grip on power indefinitely.

Opposition leaders like Nathaniel Olympio have highlighted that aligning with the AES could shield Togo from the governance standards imposed by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Despite this inclination towards AES, experts suggest that Togo could potentially maintain relations with both organizations, leveraging its strategic port in Lomé, while navigating its political landscape. However, some analysts warn that Togo’s involvement with the AES may ultimately weaken ECOWAS further, suggesting a critical examination of the implications for regional stability and governance.

Togo’s potential membership in the Alliance of Sahel States signifies a strategic shift in West African geopolitics, providing critical sea access to landlocked nations while enhancing economic and military collaboration. Nonetheless, this alignment raises concerns regarding governance in Togo and its relationship with ECOWAS, which may impact regional stability and political dynamics.

Original Source: thedefensepost.com