Faith Nyasuguta
Togo may be the next nation to shift its allegiance from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), sparking discussions about regional alliances and sovereignty in West Africa.
Although no formal steps have been taken, Togolese Foreign Minister Robert Dussey recently hinted at the possibility in an interview with Voxafrica, stating, “It is the decision of the president of the republic, but it is not impossible.” Dussey also underscored Africa’s lack of sovereignty, noting, “Africa is only used to serve the great powers, and this is not normal.”
If Togo joins the AES, the country’s port city of Lome could open doors for enhanced maritime cooperation with AES member states Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, three landlocked nations that heavily rely on trade routes. This move would bolster regional trade and logistics, granting the AES strategic access to the Atlantic Ocean.
However, Togo’s potential alignment with the AES could signal its withdrawal from ECOWAS, following the path of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. The three nations which formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) confirmed they would leave ECOWAS in January 2025, accusing the bloc of inadequate support in their fight against terrorism and undue influence from France, their former colonial ruler.
The AES was established as a coalition of like-minded nations seeking autonomy from Western influence and a stronger focus on addressing regional security challenges. In contrast, ECOWAS has faced criticism for prioritizing foreign interests over local needs, prompting some nations to question its effectiveness.
The tension between the two blocs reached a peak when ECOWAS imposed economic sanctions on the AES nations after their withdrawal. Despite this, the AES solidified its status in December when ECOWAS formally acknowledged the alliance’s secession during its 66th Ordinary Session in Abuja.
Togo’s potential move could redefine regional alliances in West Africa, particularly as the AES positions itself as a counterbalance to ECOWAS. Foreign Minister Dussey expressed optimism about the AES, referring to Mali’s leadership under Assimi Goita as a “significant opportunity.”
“If you ask the Togolese people whether they want to join the AES, I believe they’d say yes,” Dussey remarked. His comments hint at growing support within Togo for a shift toward the AES, which advocates for greater African self-reliance and reduced dependency on external powers.
As Togo evaluates its options, the decision could have far-reaching consequences for regional cooperation and political dynamics in West Africa. Should Togo formally join the AES, it would highlight the growing divide between ECOWAS and nations seeking alternative frameworks for governance, trade, and security.
The coming months will reveal whether Togo’s consideration becomes a reality, potentially reshaping West Africa’s geopolitical landscape.
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