Togolese Foreign Minister Robert Dussey has announced that the country is exploring the possibility of joining the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). The decision, he noted, rests with President Faure Gnassingbé, while public sentiment appears supportive of the move.

Joining the AES could strengthen regional cooperation and provide the landlocked member states, such as Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, access to the sea via Togo’s coastline and the port of Lomé. This would facilitate crucial import and export activities.

The announcement comes as AES member states prepare to leave the ECOWAS bloc by January 29, citing concerns over external influence by former colonial powers.

Source: wadr