Timbuktu Institute – Week 4 – March 2026

Against a West African backdrop marked by the spread of the jihadist threat towards coastal states, Togo is redoubling its efforts to strengthen its security and diplomatic stance. Between a UN assessment of its counter-terrorism measures and the reconfiguration of its operational partnerships with its neighbours and Western allies, Lomé is engaged in a process of strategic anticipation. This dual approach, both institutional and operational, demonstrates Lomé’s determination to consolidate its resilience in the face of growing risks from the Sahel, whilst affirming its position within the bloc of coastal states.

UN assessment in Togo: between international credibility and persistent security vulnerabilities

From 23 to 31 March 2026, Togo will host an assessment mission by the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Committee, led by Under-Secretary-General Nathalia Gherman. This mission, which follows a previous visit in 2019, aims to measure progress made, identify gaps and formulate recommendations. The areas under assessment include criminal justice, countering the financing of terrorism, border security, the prevention of violent extremism, the use of new technologies and the integration of gender considerations into security policies. For Lomé, this mission represents an opportunity to enhance its diplomatic credibility and gain access to greater international technical support. The Savanes region remains, however, an area of structural vulnerability. Jihadist incursions from neighbouring Burkina Faso are indeed likely to intensify as the security situation in that country deteriorates. The visit by the UN mission provides an opportunity to mobilise additional resources, but will not address immediate operational challenges.

Togo-Benin security reconfiguration: coastal presence, Western partnerships and risk of tensions with the AES

On 25 March 2026, reports emerged of a reconfiguration of the border security cooperation framework between Togo and Benin, supported by the United States and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM). This new initiative combines an operational response with community engagement, with a particular focus on the Savanes region. It forms part of the ongoing efforts by the Gulf of Guinea countries to prevent the ‘Sahelisation’ of their northern territories. It complements the tripartite military partnership between Côte d’Ivoire, Benin and France, which was announced the same week. Togo is thus positioning itself within the “camp of coastal states” vis-à-vis the AES, by strengthening its cooperation with Benin, Côte d’Ivoire and Western partners. This choice is strategically coherent, but may expose the country to potential pressure from the AES Confederation, whose members share its northern borders. Togo is thus navigating a delicate balance between international cooperation, immediate security imperatives and the realignment of regional alliances, against a backdrop of an increasingly diffuse and persistent jihadist threat.