Togo is considering joining the Alliance of Sahel States, which includes Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. This move could enhance trade and military cooperation, especially regarding access to vital ports. However, it poses risks to Togo’s relationship with ECOWAS amid critiques of President Gnassingbe’s governance and democratic adherence. Experts suggest Togo may pursue dual membership in both alliances.
Togo is actively exploring membership in the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), which includes junta-led Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. This confederation presents a pivotal opportunity for Togo as it could provide vital access to the sea for these landlocked nations. Foreign Minister Robert Dussey has emphasized the potential for greater cooperation in the region, recognizing the strategic advantages this affiliation could offer.
Membership in the AES could enhance trade opportunities for Togo, particularly as landlocked neighbors seek alternative routes in response to tensions with Ivory Coast and Benin. Analysts suggest that this alignment may facilitate access to Nigerien oil and improve economic collaborations. Togolese political analyst Madi Djabakate highlighted the potential for military cooperation and intelligence sharing to combat the rising threat of jihadist activities in northern Togo.
The AES leaders have faced challenges in combating jihadist groups, prompting the announcement of a joint force. Togo’s aspirations to join are aligned with the AES’s focus on restoring national sovereignty among its members. Additionally, both Togo and the AES countries have shifted away from dependency on Western powers, gravitating towards new partnerships and alliances.
However, Togo’s alliance with the AES has raised concerns about its relationship with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Political analysts warn that this move could create a diversion from domestic pressures arising from opposition to President Faure Gnassingbe’s policies. There is apprehension over the implications of distancing from ECOWAS, particularly regarding adherence to democratic principles and the rule of law.
Although Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso have severed ties with ECOWAS, Togo remains in a unique position. Experts like Djabakate argue that Togo could maintain affiliations with both ECOWAS and the AES simultaneously, as alliances can coexist without exclusivity. Despite the potential for a dual membership, concerns persist regarding the impact of Togo’s AES membership on the stability and cohesion of ECOWAS in the long run.
In summary, Togo’s interest in joining the AES presents significant strategic benefits, including enhanced trade and regional cooperation. However, this move could complicate Togo’s relationship with ECOWAS amidst concerns about maintaining democratic governance. As Togo navigates these potential alliances, it must balance its historical ties with ECOWAS against the emerging coalition with the AES, with implications for both regional stability and Togo’s domestic political landscape.
Original Source: thedefensepost.com
