Togo considers joining the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), signalling a shift in regional dynamics and security policies, and a further blow to France’s waning influence in the region.
When asked about the potential membership in the Alliance of Sahel States, Minister Robert Dussey stated, “It is the decision of the President of the Republic,” adding that he believes “it is not impossible.”
He further encouraged people to ask Togolese citizens if they support joining the Alliance of Sahel States, suggesting that their response would likely be affirmative.
Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, governed by military regimes against France, announced their intention to withdraw from ECOWAS, claiming it is being manipulated by their former colonial power.
The political shift gained momentum after the military coup in Niger in 2023. France was forced to withdraw its uranium mines and military bases from the country. At the time, France argued that its withdrawal would undermine counter-terrorism efforts. However, following Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso also expelled France, citing dissatisfaction with France’s role in the region.
Recent shifts in the global political landscape have seen an increasing number of Sahel states reassess their foreign alliances, leading to a gradual distancing from France and Western nations in favor of closer relations with Russia and China.
These nations subsequently left the ECOWAS bloc, which they perceived as a tool of French influence, and formed the Alliance of Sahel States (Alliance des États du Sahel /AES).
In a move to counter France’s counter-terrorism narrative, Niger’s Defence Minister Salifou Mody announced on state television that the three-member alliance would soon deploy a 5,000-strong joint military force in the Sahel region. Minister Mody assured the force would “soon be visibly operational in the field.”
France’s stance on Togo’s potential membership was subtly reflected in France’s publications in Africa, such as afrique-sur7.fr, which criticised Togo’s human rights and democratic record, suggesting that the country might face difficulties if it proceeds with the move.
The expansion of the AES represents a significant geopolitical shift in Africa as more nations challenge France’s traditional influence and pursue independent security and political frameworks.
Meanwhile, France is planning to reduce its military presence in West and Central Africa to around 600 troops in line with President Emmanuel Macron’s plans to limit the French military footprint in the region.
France will keep only around 100 troops in Gabon in Central Africa, down from 350 today and around 100 in Senegal, in West Africa, down from 350.
Paris plans to keep around 100 troops in Ivory Coast on the southern coast of West Africa – down from 600 troops today – and around 300 personnel in Chad in north-central Africa, down from 1,000 now.
The reduced presence could be periodically expanded based on the needs of local partners, France said.
