Togo refines its diplomatic approach to the Sahel region
On Saturday, April 18, Togo announced its intention to act as a “diplomatic bridge” between the military-led nations of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso and the broader international community. This initiative marks the launch of a new strategic phase specifically designed for the Sahel, a region currently battling intense jihadist insurgencies.
According to Robert Dussey, the Togolese Minister of Foreign Affairs, updating this strategy was an absolute necessity. He noted that the Sahel has evolved into a central hub for terrorist violence, which now poses a direct threat to the stability of the entire West African sub-region.
The three pillars of Togo’s regional security plan
The updated policy is built upon three fundamental objectives. First, Lomé aims to maintain regional cooperation to safeguard peace and security. Second, Togo seeks to play a primary role in establishing the necessary conditions for lasting peace. Finally, the government plans to support the processes of political normalization in countries currently governed by military transitions following the removal of elected civilian leaders.
Jean Emmanuel Gnagnon, an expert in crisis management and a researcher at the University of Lomé, believes the strategy has shown some success. “Togo has managed to slow the advance of armed groups toward the south and prevented terrorist cells from taking root permanently on its soil,” he explained. Gnagnon added that while previous phases did not fully resolve the crisis, they provided Togo with the time needed to strengthen its security apparatus and avoid a worse outcome.
Mixed reviews from political analysts
However, not all experts agree on the effectiveness of Togo‘s diplomatic zeal. Political scientist Madji Diabakaté voiced significant skepticism regarding Lomé‘s role in regional reconciliation. He suggested that the government’s ambition outweighs its actual impact, noting that neither security nor the return to democracy has seen substantial progress.
“The contribution of Togo has arguably weakened ECOWAS (CEDEAO) by providing support to the very states that initiated the crisis,” Diabakaté remarked. This sentiment is echoed by a portion of the Togolese population who believe that internal political tensions should be resolved at home before the government attempts to mediate in neighboring conflicts.
Despite these criticisms, Minister Robert Dussey maintains that Togo continues to foster constructive ties with regional and international partners, always prioritizing mutual interests.
