The tiny West African nation of Togo is reportedly considering leaving the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to join the newly formed Alliance of the Sahel Region (AES).
The country’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Robert Dussey, expressed openness to the shift in regional alliance. This potential move could weaken ECOWAS and lead to the emergence of a formidable rival bloc.
The AES, comprising Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, recently exited ECOWAS. They cited the organization’s lack of support in combating terrorism and its perceived subservience to France and so-called neocolonial powers.
ECOWAS responded by declaring its intention to take necessary steps to reintegrate the nations, including enforcing economic sanctions. However, in December, ECOWAS officially approved the AES’s withdrawal.
Minister Dussey noted that joining AES lies with the president of the republic, saying, “It is the decision of the president of the republic, but it is not impossible.”
He complained that West African countries lacked true sovereignty under ECOWAS and that the subregion was often used to serve the interests of powers.
If Togo joins the AES, the city and port of Lomé would likely become a strategic maritime asset to the landlocked AES countries.
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