Togo is considering joining the newly formed Alliance of Sahel States (AES), according to Foreign Minister Robert Dussey. Currently, the group consists of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso.

The decision rests with Togolese President Faure Gnassingbé, but the foreign minister believes that a majority of the population would support the move. One key factor is that the three landlocked Sahel states need access to a seaport for exports and imports. The Togolese government sees an opportunity to facilitate this trade through the port of Lomé, strengthening regional commerce and benefiting economically.

The three Sahel states are governed by military regimes that seized power through coups and have distanced themselves from their traditional partners in Europe—particularly former colonial power France—and the United States. Instead, they have shifted closer to Russia, with Russian mercenaries operating in the region and economic ties being reinforced. Previously, all three countries were members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which also includes Togo. However, after ECOWAS condemned the military takeovers and even considered intervention, Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso withdrew from the organization.

What closer ties between Togo and these states will mean for the country's relationship with ECOWAS remains unclear.

Togo is considering joining the newly formed Alliance of Sahel States (AES), according to Foreign Minister Robert Dussey. Currently, the group consists of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso.

The decision rests with Togolese President Faure Gnassingbé, but the foreign minister believes that a majority of the population would support the move. One key factor is that the three landlocked Sahel states need access to a seaport for exports and imports. The Togolese government sees an opportunity to facilitate this trade through the port of Lomé, strengthening regional commerce and benefiting economically.

The three Sahel states are governed by military regimes that seized power through coups and have distanced themselves from their traditional partners in Europe—particularly former colonial power France—and the United States. Instead, they have shifted closer to Russia, with Russian mercenaries operating in the region and economic ties being reinforced. Previously, all three countries were members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which also includes Togo. However, after ECOWAS condemned the military takeovers and even considered intervention, Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso withdrew from the organization.

What closer ties between Togo and these states will mean for the country's relationship with ECOWAS remains unclear.