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. 

The Historical Significance of the Togo-AES Strategy

African people watched this summit with pride and hope because it was a significant turning point in the previously strained international relations between AES and the rest of the West African community. In 2024, the three AES members announced their dramatic exit from ECOWAS due to internal strife with many West African nations who preferred to form misplaced allegiances with foreign nations that continue to impose their exploitative agenda on the African people. Where AES leaders expected their brothers and sisters to come to their aid in the shared fight for Africa’s liberation, they were disappointed to see that human greed and cowardice continue to triumph over morals when significant financial benefits and military threats are on the negotiation table. 

To make matters worse, Togo’s close neighbor, Benin, opposed Niger and openly allied itself with the French government. Ivory Coast did the same, vowing its allegiance to the French government and the rest of the international community. So, in the context of these unfortunate betrayals, Togo’s brave decision to side with AES while maintaining its ECOWAS membership opens the door to a new chapter of trust and transborder nation-building.