Koffi Améssou Adaba, a distinguished political sociologist at the University of Lomé, explores the perspectives of Togolese citizens on their government’s response to terrorism in the northern region and the emerging Alliance of Sahel States – comprising Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. While the research is funded by the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie, Améssou Adaba maintains no affiliations that could influence his findings.
Survey Insights: Togolese Perspectives on Regional Alliances
A recent survey conducted by Afrobarometer in collaboration with the Center for Research and Opinion Polls reveals intriguing insights into Togolese attitudes towards regional political alliances. The study, which included 1,200 participants, indicates that 64% of Togolese people regard the formation of the Alliance of Sahel States as justified. This sentiment stems from:
– The perception of foreign influence over Ecowas.
– Discontent with Ecowas-imposed sanctions on Sahel states.
– The belief that Ecowas failed to support these nations during their security crises.
Furthermore, 54% of respondents view the involvement of Russia, through the Wagner Group (now known as Africa Corps), as a positive development, signaling a shift towards trusting non-Western external actors.
Togo’s Potential Future with the Alliance of Sahel States
The survey noted that 54% of Togolese believe their country stands to benefit by joining the Alliance of Sahel States. However, the population remains divided on regional integration impacts: 39% feel that the alliance won’t hinder integration, while 37% think it might.
Ecowas and Pan-African Sentiments
There’s growing disenchantment with Ecowas among Togolese citizens, who perceive the bloc as misaligned with local realities and overly influenced by foreign entities. Previous failures of Ecowas to address political crises in Togo have exacerbated this frustration, fueling a larger pan-African movement that resists former colonial influences.
Despite this momentum for change, concerns persist about the economic and diplomatic consequences of breaking away from Ecowas, suggesting a need for cautious evaluation before making any decisions.
Government Response to Terrorism and Public Trust
Amid these geopolitical shifts, 59% of Togolese express confidence in their government’s ability to tackle terrorism, though opinions on their strategy’s effectiveness vary. Some citizens feel government messaging on the crisis lacks clarity, while
Source: https://theconversation.com/
