Togo hints at exiting ECOWAS to join junta-led AES bloc

Togo, West Africa’s third smallest country by landmass, might join the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), which includes military junta-led Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali, according to Togolese foreign minister Robert Dussey.
While this is not officially in the works yet, the minister noted that the suggestion of Togo being integrated into the young regional group is not far fetched. Dussey mentioned this possibility in a recent interview, saying that the move should be approved by Togolese parliament and the president. He asserted that “it’s not impossible… If the parliament and the president agree, why wouldn’t Togo?”
Speaking further on the subject, Dussey stressed that his country wants to keep talking with all parties while pursuing its interests. “Today, African peoples everywhere want to be themselves… We are not against anyone… The problem is that some of our partners want us to be at their service, so we say ‘NO,'” he explained. The minister also deplored the absence of true sovereignty on the continent, noting that “Africa is only used to serve the great powers, and this is not normal.” The three coup-hit West African nations that make up the AES announced their exit from ECOWAS last year, amidst political tensions. Since then, Togo has been mediating between the two sides.

About Geraldine Boechat 2998 Articles
Senior Editor for Medafrica Times and former journalist for Swiss National Television. former NGO team leader in Burundi and Somalia