Faure will seek to boost Togo’s regional stature

Significance

Much of the opposition is boycotting the elections, claiming that they will not be free and fair. Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Robert Dussey said on January 16 that it was “not impossible” that Togo could join the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), which currently comprises Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger.

Impacts

• Faure’s constitutional changes may help him avoid international condemnation for indefinitely prolonging his rule.
• Signals that Togo could join the AES may aim to deter ECOWAS criticisms of Togo’s constitutional changes.
• Security cooperation between the AES states and ECOWAS members will likely be uneven.