Lomé Hosts Strategic Dialogue to Reframe Sahel Security Cooperation

On April 18, 2026, the Togolese capital Lomé hosted a high-level international meeting focused on developing a “new strategy for the Sahel in crisis.” Initiated by Togo, the gathering brought together representatives from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), member states of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES)—namely Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso—as well as officials from the United Nations, European and African partners.

Participants emphasized a shared conclusion: only coordinated and collective action can effectively address the growing terrorist threat in the region. The strategy proposed by Togo is built around five key pillars, notably including renewed cooperation frameworks between Sahelian countries and international partners.

Among the prominent voices, EU Special Representative for the Sahel, João Cravinho, endorsed the initiative, stressing the interconnected security interests between Europe and the Sahel. Behind the scenes, Togo also facilitated discreet diplomatic exchanges aimed at easing tensions between Sahelian and European actors.

The initiative highlights the urgent need for more pragmatic regional cooperation, especially as insecurity increasingly spreads toward coastal states in the Gulf of Guinea. Participants acknowledged that rebuilding trust between AES and ECOWAS remains essential for long-term stability.

Togo’s diplomatic positioning as a bridge between Sahelian states and the wider international community was widely noted. By engaging diverse actors—including, notably, both France and Russia—Lomé aims to establish itself as a key mediator in regional security and political dialogue.

The approach has been welcomed by AES representatives, including Mali’s Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop, whadvo ocated for trust-based bilateral cooperation as a first step toward broader regional alignment. He also underscored the importance of a shared understanding of terrorism and called for a renewed mindset in international engagement with the Sahel.

Source: Newstimehub