In Togo, we are witnessing a period that seems to confirm a unique strategic posture: Lomé is positioning itself both as a regional diplomatic actor and a vigilant state in the face of security repercussions from the Sahel. On the diplomatic front, on January 17, Lomé hosted a high-level meeting dedicated to coordinating peace initiatives in the DRC and the Great Lakes region. This meeting aims to harmonize and coordinate peace initiatives in this country and highlights Togo's effective involvement alongside the African Union. By using diplomacy as a strategic tool, Lomé is involved in regional mediation, strengthening its credibility and diversifying its alliances. In the short and medium term, this diplomatic stance should thus strengthen Togo's position as a regional mediator and credible partner of the African Union. Lomé's involvement in peace initiatives, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo, reflects a strategy aimed at increasing its influence while anticipating security implications in the Sahel. However, this increased visibility on the diplomatic stage requires a delicate balance between regional ambition, national capabilities, and internal security risk management. 

Judicial cooperation and regional stability: the challenges of Damiba's extradition
At the same time, the Togolese authorities' decision to extradite Damiba is part of a strategy to strengthen judicial and security cooperation with Burkina Faso, in a regional context marked by growing transnational challenges. Presented as a sign of respect for bilateral commitments and subregional consultation mechanisms, this move demonstrates Togo's desire to maintain a climate of political trust with the transitional authorities in Burkina Faso.

Beyond the legal act itself, this extradition has a strategic diplomatic dimension. It reflects a pragmatic adjustment of Togo's position aimed at avoiding any tension in bilateral relations and contributing to regional stability. In a West African region weakened by insecurity and political tensions, the choice of dialogue and cooperation appears to be a means of managing relations between states. However, the decision to extradite Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba raises serious questions about Togo's compliance with its commitments on the right to asylum.

Asylum under duress: Damiba's extradition and the weakening of Togo's commitments

Beyond moral considerations, this measure could set a worrying legal precedent. The extradition of a former head of state who was granted regional protection on Togolese territory raises questions about the compatibility of this decision with the country's international obligations. Togo, a signatory to the 1951 Geneva Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and the 1967 Protocol, has committed to guaranteeing the protection of persons exposed to political persecution. However, the return of Mr. Damiba to a political and security context where the reinstatement of the death penalty is under debate for s that some raise the question of effective compliance with the principle of non-refoulement. Some observers see this act as a capitulation to pressure, particularly with regard to economic issues, given that more than 60% of Burkina Faso's imports pass through the port of Lomé, according to World Bank data. Lomé, which wishes to position itself as the port of the ESA countries, has every interest in maintaining good relations with these states.