In Lomé, a strategic roadmap for the period 2026–2028 was approved, marking a direction firmly rooted in the realities on the ground, rather than in ideological alignment. The five areas of cooperation defined go beyond mere declarations and form part of a process to stabilise relations with the Confederation of the AES. The approach is based on continued dialogue and a gradual process of building trust, in a regional context still characterised by delicate balances.
Palais des Congrès in Lomé hosted a high-level meeting on Saturday, April 18, 2026, dedicated to the implementation of Togo’s new Sahel strategy (2026–2028). The meeting took place in a regional context undergoing significant restructuring, marked by the establishment of the Confederation of Sahel States outside the Economic Community of West African States. It marked the transition into a new strategic phase following the 2021–2025 cycle. Discussions focused on adapting diplomatic, security, and economic tools to a more complex environment, while maintaining channels of dialogue between groupings with different trajectories.
Togo’s new strategy for the Sahel is not merely a policy document, but an olive branch and a formal framework for cooperation. Togo stands ready to put its expertise in mediation and its regional roots at the service of stability, acting as a bridge between the Sahel and the wider
Robert Dussey , Minister of Foreign Affairs – Togo
Five main pillars structured the implementation: consolidation of political dialogue, coordinated response to terrorist threats, integration of populations, strengthening of economic cooperation, and investment in education as well as human capital. The framework was presented as a mechanism designed to sustain cooperation dynamics in a tense regional environment. Trust played a central role, both between states and institutional partners, in order to preserve continuity of exchanges despite ongoing regional realignments
In terms of immediate solutions, it is clear that, at present, we do not have a single framework that enables us to work together in the fight against terrorism. Given this fragmentation and these difficulties, and the initial lack of trust, a pragmatic approach would be to consider bilateral cooperation where possible, where there is trust between Burkina Faso and Togo today. There is work being done with Ghana and other countries. Wherever possible, and working later to broaden the basis of trust, because we cannot ensure security together if our countries do not trust one another.
Abdoulaye Diop , Minister of Foreign Affairs – Mali
At the end of the discussions, a common direction emerged: advancing regional cooperation without making it conditional on prior political alignment. In this regard, Togo relied on sustained dialogue and progressively built trust to strengthen more stable relations with the Confederation of the Alliance of Sahel States. This gradual approach is designed to generate concrete results in a regional environment still marked by fragile balances.
