Togo’s President Faure Gnassingbé has hinted that the country is likely to join the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), a regional bloc comprising Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.
Speaking before a packed auditorium of African dignitaries, Gnassingbé emphasised that the AES’s ideology is gaining traction, suggesting that Togo’s membership is a matter of time.
“The mentality of the AES is spreading. Will Togo join the AES? For me, yes, it’s only a matter of time,” Gnassingbé said, indicating a shift in Togo’s foreign policy.
Togo’s Foreign Minister, Robert Dussey, has been vocal about the possibility of joining the AES, citing the benefits of strengthened regional cooperation and access to the sea for landlocked member states.
“Togo is considering joining the AES, a strategic decision that could strengthen regional cooperation and offer access to the sea to member countries,” Dussey stated.
The AES was formed as a defence pact in 2023, with its member states seeking closer economic and political integration. Togo’s potential membership could offer the alliance a crucial lifeline, providing access to the port of Lomé and enhancing trade opportunities.
While some analysts view Togo’s move as a strategic shift away from traditional Western partners, others see it as an opportunity for the country to assert its sovereignty and promote regional cooperation.