Togo strengthens Sahel security strategy with regional partnerships

The Togo has announced plans to position itself as a key intermediary between military-led nations in the Sahel—Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso—and the international community. This strategic pivot comes as the subregion grapples with escalating jihadist violence, threatening regional stability.

According to Robert Dussey, Togo’s Foreign Minister, the updated strategy represents a critical evolution in the country’s approach to Sahel security challenges. The region has become a hotspot for terrorist activity, posing direct risks to neighboring nations.

Key pillars of Togo’s Sahel strategy

The Togolese diplomatic framework rests on three core pillars:

• Strengthening regional collaboration: Togo aims to bolster partnerships to enhance peace and security across the Sahel.
• Facilitating peacebuilding conditions: Lomé seeks to play a central role in creating environments conducive to stability and conflict resolution.
• Supporting political normalization: The government intends to aid post-coup transitions in Sahelian states by promoting democratic restoration.

Security experts weigh in on Togo’s efforts

Jean Emmanuel Gnagnon, a researcher at the University of Lomé specializing in governance and crisis management, acknowledges Togo’s progress in limiting armed group advances and preventing terrorist cells from taking root. He notes that while prior phases haven’t resolved the crisis, they’ve bought time and fortified Togo’s security posture compared to neighboring countries.

However, skepticism persists. Madji Diabakaté, a political scientist, compares Togo’s ambitions to a fable where a frog attempts to match a bull’s size—arguing that despite diplomatic efforts, neither insecurity nor democratic backsliding in the Sahel has seen meaningful improvement. Critics also suggest that Togo should prioritize stabilizing its own political climate before engaging regionally.

Robert Dussey maintains that Togo maintains constructive ties with regional and global partners, emphasizing shared interests in regional security.