Togo, one of the significant members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), is reportedly contemplating a drastic shift in its regional affiliations. The West African country is considering abandoning the well-established ECOWAS in favor of joining the Alliance of the Sahel States (AES), a fledgling regional bloc focused on countering terrorism and asserting greater political autonomy.
The news comes in the wake of rising tensions within the West African region, particularly regarding ECOWAS’ handling of political crises and security issues. Togo’s Foreign Minister, Robert Dussey, raised the possibility of this move during a recent interview, stating that while it is not yet a decision set in stone, the idea is “not impossible.” This marks the first time a high-ranking official from Togo has publicly suggested such a shift.
A Future with AES?
Togo’s entry into the AES could have profound implications for both the country’s foreign policy and its status within the broader West African community. Currently, Togo is a member of ECOWAS, which aims to foster economic integration and stability in the region. However, ECOWAS has recently come under fire from certain countries in the Sahel, especially after a series of military coups ousted long-standing governments in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. These nations have accused ECOWAS of failing to effectively address regional terrorism and of being overly influenced by former colonial power France. In January of this year, these countries officially severed ties with ECOWAS and went on to form the AES.
The AES has since been positioned as an alternative to ECOWAS, with a focus on strengthening security cooperation among its members. The three AES nations—Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger—have emphasized that their withdrawal from ECOWAS is a direct result of the perceived ineffectiveness of the larger organization in dealing with the escalating threats from insurgents linked to groups like al-Qaeda and ISIS.
Speaking to Voxafrica, Dussey alluded to the shifting dynamics within West Africa, where some countries, including Togo, are increasingly frustrated with ECOWAS’ handling of regional security. “It is the decision of the president of the republic, but it is not impossible,” he remarked, hinting that the option of joining AES remains open. This statement has sparked a flurry of speculation about Togo’s future in ECOWAS and its potential realignment within the Sahelian bloc.
Togo’s Growing Discontent with ECOWAS
The roots of Togo’s discontent with ECOWAS are multifaceted. One of the key issues raised by Minister Dussey is the lack of sovereignty that African nations, in his view, experience within ECOWAS. He argued that many African nations are “only used to serve the great powers,” a criticism that reflects a growing sentiment among some African leaders that regional and continental organizations like ECOWAS are too beholden to Western interests, particularly France.
Togo’s dissatisfaction echoes similar grievances voiced by other ECOWAS members, notably those in the Sahel region, where violent extremism has taken a devastating toll on local populations. The military juntas in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have repeatedly criticized ECOWAS for what they see as an inadequate response to their security challenges, particularly the lack of support in their anti-terrorism efforts. In contrast, the AES has positioned itself as a more autonomous regional bloc, with a stronger focus on addressing the immediate security concerns of its members.
Dussey emphasized that Africa’s lack of true sovereignty has made it vulnerable to external influence. “Africa is only used to serve the great powers, and this is not normal,” he declared, pointing to the need for a more independent and regionally focused approach to governance.
Togo’s Potential Withdrawal: What It Means for ECOWAS
If Togo were to formally join the AES, it would mark a significant blow to ECOWAS, which is already grappling with the fallout from the exit of its Sahelian members. ECOWAS, led by Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, has expressed its disapproval of the AES’s formation, vowing to take the necessary steps to reassert its influence in the region. This has included the imposition of sanctions on Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, as well as diplomatic efforts to encourage their return to the ECOWAS fold.
However, Togo’s potential shift could further undermine ECOWAS’ unity, signaling a possible erosion of its authority in West Africa. Analysts warn that if Togo, a country with a strategically important port in the capital city of Lomé, opts to join AES, it could spur other nations to reconsider their membership in ECOWAS, especially those frustrated with the bloc’s leadership and effectiveness in addressing regional challenges.
Togo’s involvement in the AES could also pave the way for closer maritime and economic cooperation with the Sahel countries. Lomé’s position on the Gulf of Guinea makes it a critical hub for regional trade, and its access to the sea could facilitate closer ties between the AES and the landlocked countries of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. In this scenario, Togo would benefit from increased trade routes and maritime security cooperation, all while distancing itself from ECOWAS’ policies.
The Sahelian Bloc’s Appeal
Togo’s potential defection from ECOWAS comes at a time when the AES is positioning itself as a more self-reliant and proactive regional organization. Following the 2020 coup in Mali and the subsequent takeovers in Burkina Faso and Niger, the AES has framed itself as a bloc that prioritizes the interests of its members, with a particular focus on security, sovereignty, and economic autonomy.
“The AES is an opportunity,” said Dussey, referencing the political changes in Mali, where Colonel Assimi Goïta’s ascent to power has been viewed as a chance for Sahelian countries to assert greater control over their affairs. “Ask the Togolese people if they want to join the AES, I think they’d say yes,” he added, suggesting that there may be significant domestic support for Togo’s integration into the new regional bloc.
A Turning Point for Regional Politics?
The prospect of Togo leaving ECOWAS for the AES highlights the shifting political dynamics in West Africa, where security concerns and a desire for greater autonomy are driving countries to rethink their allegiances. If Togo makes the leap, it could signal a broader realignment of West African countries, with other nations possibly following suit.
As Togo’s government continues to weigh its options, the future of ECOWAS hangs in the balance. Should Togo decide to make the shift, it will undoubtedly have wide-reaching implications for regional politics, security, and economic cooperation in West Africa.
