regional realities

ECOWAS cannot ignore ‘popular clamour’ supporting military regimes – Togo’s Robert Dussey

By Manon Laplace

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Posted on May 8, 2023 10:59

© Robert Dussey, Togo’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and Togolese Abroad. Vincent Fournier for JA. — Robert Dussey, Togo’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and Togolese Abroad. Vincent Fournier for JA.

Togo’s diplomacy czar Robert Dussey explains why and how the country intends to strengthen its partnerships amid the ongoing regional security situation, diplomatic relations with the transitional regimes of Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso, and other ECOWAS members, and new investments on the table.

A willing mediator and negotiator, operating in a region shaken by coups d’état and diplomatic arm wrestling, Togo’s foreign minister, Robert Dussey, is a central figure in the political project put in place by President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé.

He played a pivotal role in resolving the dispute between Bamako and Abidjan over the 49 Ivorian soldiers imprisoned in Mali. Sitting with him, we look back on this episode and discuss with him Lomé’s security strategy.

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