Over 50% of Togolese citizens support joining the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) rather than remaining in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), according to an Afro barometer survey conducted in November 2024.
The poll, which sampled 1,200 people, backs Foreign Minister Robert Dussey’s early 2025 remarks signaling Togo’s interest in aligning with AES.
The data shows stronger support among men (57%) than women (50%), and among urban residents (59%) compared to 49% in rural areas.
The Central region recorded the highest approval at 74%, followed by Lomé Commune (64%) and Savanes (60%).
While 36% of respondents expressed a preference for staying in ECOWAS, critics described the bloc as ineffective and dominated by regimes born from coups.
The survey comes amid rising tensions between AES and ECOWAS, particularly as Togo deepens its economic partnerships with AES countries.
This includes making Lomé’s port the primary supply route for landlocked members like Burkina Faso and Niger, further indicating a shift in regional alignment.
