During a significant summit held in Lomé this past Saturday, Togo revealed a comprehensive security and geopolitical roadmap designed for the Sahel region.

The high-level gathering saw participation from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). International delegates, including representatives from the European Union and France, were also in attendance to discuss regional stability.

This diplomatic initiative seeks to rebuild communication channels with the leadership of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. In recent years, these three nations have pivoted away from ECOWAS and traditional Western alliances, choosing instead to strengthen their partnership with Russia.

“Togo is prepared to utilize its diplomatic expertise and regional influence to promote peace, serving as a vital bridge between the Sahelian nations and the broader international community,” stated Robert Dussey, the Togolese Minister of Foreign Affairs.

A multi-pillar strategy for regional stability

The Togo 2026-2028 Sahel strategy is built upon five fundamental objectives:

• Maintaining active political dialogue with the AES.
• Enhancing cooperation at both regional and international levels.
• Intensifying the struggle against violent extremism.
• Driving deeper regional economic integration.

Delegates from the AES expressed a positive outlook on the new framework and signaled their willingness to collaborate further. However, Abdoulaye Diop, the Malian Minister of Foreign Affairs, pointed out that effective security cooperation requires ensuring that no foreign forces are permitted to use neighboring territories for subversive or destabilizing activities.

The Sahel continues to face severe challenges from jihadist insurgencies linked to the Islamic State and Al-Qaeda. These conflicts have resulted in heavy casualties across the region and are now beginning to affect coastal countries, including Togo and Bénin.