On 18 April 2026, Togo hosted a High-Level Meeting in Lomé on its New Togo-Sahel Strategy (2026–2028), under the patronage of His Excellency Mr Faure Essozimna GNASSINGBE, President of the Council. This New Strategy builds on Togo’s ongoing commitment to the Sahel and replaces the previous Strategy of 2021, which served as the framework for the country’s action in the Sahel over the last four (4) years.
The regional and international environment is currently undergoing profound geopolitical upheavals and realignments, characterised by persistent threats to peace and security challenges. In the Sahel, the terrorist threat persists and is gradually spreading towards the coastal states of the Gulf of Guinea. A geopolitical realignment has taken place in the West African region with the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the creation of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). The challenge of taking further action in the interests of regional stability remains a priority.
It is against this backdrop that, under the leadership of His Excellency Faure Essozimna GNASSINGBE, Togo has drawn up a New Togo-Sahel Strategy (2026–2028) aimed at adapting its engagement in the Sahel to emerging realities, whilst strengthening its contribution to regional stability and cooperation between the countries of the Sahel and those of the Gulf of Guinea. Current developments in the Sahel and West Africa call for a shift in approach and enhanced coordination among all stakeholders.
Given this regional context, it has become necessary to adopt a New Togo-Sahel Strategy, which will guide Togo’s actions in the region over the next three years.
La réunion de Haut Niveau, de ce 18 avril 2026, a revetu une importance particulière. Elle a offert une occasion précieuse et rassemblé les représentants régionaux et les acteurs internationaux pertinents autour des échanges fructueux sur la Nouvelle Stratégie et la région du Sahel en pleine mutation depuis la création de l’Alliance des États du Sahel (AES).
The overall aim of this high-level meeting is to foster constructive dialogue on the New Togo-Sahel Strategy (2026–2028) and the Sahel region.
More specifically, it aims to:
- To present the New Togo-Sahel Strategy (2026–2028), highlighting the priority areas of action and the vision that will guide Togo’s engagement in the Sahel region over the next three years;
- To strengthen political dialogue between Togo and the Sahelian states;
- Provide a forum for discussion and dialogue between governments, regional and international organisations, Special Envoys for the Sahel region and civil society actors on developments in the regional context, shared challenges and potential solutions;
- Contribute to the dialogue in support of stability, security and regional integration.
