The Togo has positioned itself as a potential mediator between military-led nations in the Sahel—Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso—and the international community, unveiling a refreshed approach to regional security challenges. Speaking on April 18, Robert Dussey, Togo’s Foreign Minister, emphasized the urgency of this strategy, noting the Sahel’s escalation into a hotspot for jihadist violence threatening regional stability.
Three strategic pillars for Sahel stability
Togo’s renewed diplomatic framework rests on three core pillars:
- Regional collaboration: Strengthening partnerships to uphold peace and security across the Sahel.
- Peace facilitation: Taking a proactive role in creating conditions conducive to long-term stability.
- Political normalization support: Assisting military-led governments in transitioning back to civilian rule after coups.
Balancing security gains and skepticism
Jean Emmanuel Gnagnon, a researcher at the University of Lomé specializing in governance and crisis management, acknowledged Togo’s progress in curbing armed group advances and preventing terrorist cells from taking root. “Compared to neighboring countries, Togo has managed to delay the spillover effects of insecurity, buying critical time to bolster its security infrastructure.”
However, he cautioned that earlier phases of the strategy had not resolved the crisis but merely postponed its worst impacts. “The new approach aims to refine these efforts, but success hinges on broader regional cooperation.”
Diplomatic ambitions face scrutiny
Critics, including Madji Diabakaté, a political scientist, argue that Togo’s diplomatic push may be overreaching. “It’s like a frog attempting to match a bull’s size—ambition doesn’t always align with capability.” He highlights that since the coups in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, both security and democratic governance remain unresolved, with Togo’s engagement potentially undermining ECOWAS’s cohesion by supporting crisis-ridden states.
Public opinion in Togo is divided, with some citizens urging the government to prioritize domestic stability before expanding its regional diplomatic role. Meanwhile, Dussey reaffirms Togo’s commitment to constructive relations with regional and global partners, emphasizing shared interests as the foundation of its strategy.
