by Zefihapi Dematepia

Togo launched a revolutionary initiative on April 18th, 2026, in its economic capital, Lomé, by holding a strategic summit with the Confederation of Sahel States (AES) of Burkina, Niger, and Mali. These AES countries officially exited the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in 2025 to form their own triumvirate. Togo initiated the Togo-AES strategy 2026-2028 to renew its commitment to and solidarity with the AES, promoting long-term partnership and economic growth within West Africa. The summit drew a large number of local and international representatives from the AES countries, ECOWAS member states, the United Nations, and the international community.