Lomé recently convened a significant regional dialogue, commencing this Tuesday, June 3, 2026, dedicated to fortifying the prevention agenda across the Gulf of Guinea. The assembly brought together a diverse group of participants, including governmental representatives, regional institutions, United Nations agencies, technical and financial partners, and community stakeholders actively involved in peacebuilding and conflict prevention efforts.

During the opening remarks, Minister of Security Calixte Madjoulba delivered a powerful message. He asserted that in light of the evolving threats confronting West Africa, only a coordinated, sustainable, and prevention-focused strategy could truly safeguard the sub-region’s stability.

Gulf of Guinea under pressure: terrorism, crime, and climate crisis

In his address, the Minister presented an unequivocal assessment: the Gulf of Guinea confronts an escalating array of complex security and socio-economic challenges.

Violent extremism, terrorism, transnational organized crime, illicit trafficking, the proliferation of small arms, communal tensions, and the escalating effects of climate change are progressively eroding the social and economic stability of the region.

These threats are compounded by the direct repercussions of the Sahelian crisis, particularly population displacements and the increasing strain on host communities and local resources.

“No single state can provide a fully effective response on its own,” Calixte Madjoulba emphasized, highlighting that current challenges transcend national borders.

Togo champions a comprehensive security vision

For the Minister, combating insecurity must extend beyond purely military or police interventions.

“Sustainable security cannot be achieved through security responses alone,” he declared to the participants.

This conviction forms a cornerstone of Togo’s public policy, vigorously pursued under the leadership of President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé.

The national strategy is built upon a straightforward principle: simultaneously bolster security, development, and social cohesion to address the fundamental causes of crises.

Reducing inequalities, enhancing governance, fostering social inclusion, creating employment opportunities for youth, and strengthening community resilience are all considered vital levers for the long-term prevention of conflicts.

“Protect, Gather, Transform”: the triptych of Togolese public action

Central to this overarching strategy is the “Protect, Gather, Transform” triptych, which the Minister presented as the guiding compass for governmental action.

Protect signifies guaranteeing the safety of populations and upholding peace.

Gather involves promoting dialogue, strengthening trust between citizens and institutions, and solidifying social cohesion.

Transform means enacting lasting change on vulnerability factors by fostering economic opportunities, narrowing disparities, and building more resilient communities.

Calixte Madjoulba affirmed that this model perfectly aligns with the aspirations of the regional dialogue hosted in Lomé.

Moving from commitments to tangible results

The chosen theme for this gathering, “From Commitment to Impact,” underscores the participants’ collective determination to translate political ambitions into concrete actions.

The Minister urged states and their partners to move beyond mere declarations and deliver visible results that benefit the populations.

“Our populations expect effective responses tailored to their daily realities,” he stressed.

He further noted that citizens anticipate mechanisms capable of anticipating crises before they erupt, preventing conflicts before they become entrenched, and durably strengthening the resilience of territories.

The United Nations stands with Gulf of Guinea nations

The Togolese official also commended the commitment shown by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

Through the Joint Prevention Facility 2026-2029 for the Gulf of Guinea, these partners are actively supporting a vision centered on prevention, community resilience, and inclusive economic development.

For the attendees, this initiative represents a significant opportunity to enhance regional cooperation, share best practices, and mobilize essential resources to confront emerging challenges.

Towards a regional roadmap for peace and resilience

Following two days of intensive discussions, the stakeholders assembled in Lomé are expected to outline an ambitious regional roadmap. This roadmap aims to bolster prevention mechanisms, consolidate cross-border cooperation, secure sustainable funding, and improve the monitoring of initiated actions.

Through this dialogue, Togo reiterates its firm belief that prevention stands as one of the most strategic investments today to ensure peace, security, and sustainable development throughout the Gulf of Guinea.

In a region grappling with multifaceted challenges, Lomé’s message is clear: anticipating crises proves less costly than managing them, and prevention remains the paramount guarantee for a stable and prosperous future for its people.