Introduction
The Alliance of Sahel States (AES) is a bloc formed in September 2023 by Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger in response to growing security concerns and dissatisfaction with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The alliance was established through the Liptako-Gourma Charter, signed in Bamako, to strengthen political, economic, and security cooperation. The three nations, all of which experienced military coups, felt that ECOWAS and international partners were not adequately addressing the rising threats of terrorism and instability in the Sahel region. As a result, in January 2024, they announced their withdrawal from ECOWAS, citing external influences, particularly from France, as a major concern.
The AES is structured around a heads-of-state council, which serves as the highest decision-making body and is composed of the presidents of the member states. It also includes a Defense and Security Committee, responsible for coordinating joint military efforts, a Foreign Affairs and Diplomacy Unit, which manages external relations, and an Economic and Development Committee, focusing on trade and regional growth. While still in its early stages, the alliance is rapidly evolving, and its expansion to include other countries, such as Togo, could significantly influence its direction and effectiveness in West Africa.
The AES faces a number of challenges, considered complex and interconnected. These include terrorism, political instability as a result of jihadist insurgency, humanitarian crises arising from insurgent attacks, environmental stress, migration and economic hardships. In addition to this, the three nations are landlocked states, and hence without direct access to the sea. Significant proportions of all modern trade in goods is done via the seaports and this places a severe limitation on them. Access to the sea is therefore of strategic importance to the AES countries. Regional maritime access would be a critical driver of economic growth and provide a link to all coastal states of ECOWAS from which they have withdrawn and provide improved global connectivity.
The recent announcement that Togo, a coastal state within Ecowas, sharing borders with Ghana and Bennin, is considering joining AES is interesting. This is worth analysing as there is no clarity as to whether Togo intends to leave ECOWAS or become the bridge that brings the two organisations together.
Togo’s Foreign Minister, Robert Dussey, recently stated in a social media post that Togo is considering membership in the alliance. He emphasized that it was “a strategic decision that could strengthen regional cooperation and offer member countries access to the sea” (Daily Post, 2024).
Mr. Dussey added that the decision rests with President Faure Gnassingbé but suggested that public sentiment appears supportive of the move.
Togo’s interest in joining the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) is likely driven by a mix of security, economic, and geopolitical factors. Here are some of the key motivations:
1. Security Concerns and Regional Stability
The Sahel region has been grappling with growing terrorism and insurgency threats from groups like JNIM, ISIS and Al-Qaeda affiliates. While Togo has not been as severely affected as Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, the spillover of extremist violence into northern Togo and Benin is a major concern. ECOWAS has been criticized for its delayed military interventions, AES countries, however, have taken a more direct approach to security by coordinating their forces to combat extremist violence (Goukouni & Tchie, 2023). This makes AES a more attractive security partner for Togo. Should they join AES, Togo could strengthen its military cooperation with these countries and benefit from intelligence sharing, joint security operations, and coordinated counterterrorism efforts.
2. Strategic Geopolitical Stance
Togo has historically maintained a balanced diplomatic stance, cooperating with both Western and African-led initiatives. However, with Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger moving away from ECOWAS and aligning more with Russia for security assistance, Togo might see an opportunity to position itself as a key player in this new regional bloc. Joining AES could give Togo more leverage in West African politics and reduce reliance on France and Western-supported institutions like ECOWAS.
3. Economic and Trade Benefits
Unlike the current AES members, which are all landlocked, Togo has access to the Atlantic Ocean and a major port in Lomé. If Togo joins AES, it could serve as a key transit point for:
- Importing goods for Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.
- Exporting natural resources from AES countries to global markets.
- Facilitating trade deals between AES and non-African partners.
The AES member states currently depend on ports in Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and Senegal, all of which are ECOWAS members. If relations between AES and ECOWAS deteriorate further, Togo could replace these ports as the primary entry and exit point for AES trade. This could result in economic gains, increased foreign investment, and improved bilateral trade agreements with AES nations.
4. Discontent with ECOWAS
ECOWAS has faced criticism from its own member states over its handling of political crises in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. Following military coups in these countries, ECOWAS responded with harsh sanctions, including economic embargoes and political isolation (Korsah & Ntewusu, 2024). While Togo has not faced such direct conflicts with ECOWAS, it may be reconsidering its long-term role in the organization. If Togo perceives that ECOWAS is too influenced by Western interests, aligning with AES could be seen as a move toward a more independent West African bloc.
5. Strengthening Diplomatic Ties with Junta-led Governments
Togo has maintained good diplomatic relations with Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, often acting as a mediator between them and ECOWAS. By joining AES, Togo could deepen its partnerships with these countries and secure a stronger regional influence, especially if AES continues to expand to coastal nations like Benin or Guinea. Togo’s early membership could position it as a leader within the alliance, influencing future policy decisions and ensuring that its national interests are prioritized.
Conclusion
While Togo is not geographically within the core of the Sahel region, it may benefit from joining the AES primarily because of the immediate and long term benefits this may bring to it. However there could be other related challenges that may not have been considered. Should Togo go ahead and join the AES, it could negatively impact ECOWAS and weaken its resolve to ensure entrenchment of democracy in West Africa.
As the Sahel faces increasing instability and challenges, a united approach to these problems, needs to be developed by ECOWAS within the broader context of Russia’s growing influence in the region. To begin with, Togo is not a country well known for its respect for democratic rights and principles. The President and his family have been ruling the country for so many years, and may find AES accommodating, as there may be no reminders of good governance, rule of law and democracy. Furthermore, the AES and their leaders, particularly Traore of Burkina Faso seen to be attractive to the youth. This may be the case until the tide changes and brutality without recourse to law begins to emerge.
On the part of ECOWAS, it is important to break from neo colonialist tendencies and to be independent, focusing on the growth and development of the region instead of doing the bidding of western powers. Unless ECOWAS is seen as being truly West African, it risks losing other nations to the AES block with the tacit support of Russia.
References
Daily Post. (2025). Togo takes a step towards integration: The possibility of joining the Alliance of Sahel States as a strategic choice for the region. Retrieved from https://dailypost.ng/2025/03/15/togo-takes-a-step-towards-integration-the-possibility-of-joining-the-alliance-of-sahel-states-as-a-strategic-choice-for-the-region/
Goukouni, H., & Tchie, A. (2023). Security and Political Transitions in the Sahel: The Role of Military Alliances. African Security Review.
Korsah, K., & Ntewusu, S. (2024). ECOWAS and Regional Stability: Lessons from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. Journal of African Studie.
