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Togo's citizens want to leave Ecowas – new survey suggests why
Togo's citizens want to leave Ecowas – new survey suggests why

Yahoo

time12 hours ago

  • Business
  • Yahoo

Togo's citizens want to leave Ecowas – new survey suggests why

A survey of Togolese citizens recently looked into perceptions of their government's handling of the terrorist threat in the northern region and of the Alliance of Sahel States – Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger. The survey was carried out by Afrobarometer, an independent, pan-African research network, in partnership with the Center for Research and Opinion Polls. The Savanes region in northern Togo, bordering Burkina Faso, has become an area of insecurity since a jihadist attack in 2021. This security crisis is part of a broader context of growing destabilisation in west African countries, centred on the Sahel region. It led to the creation of the Alliance of Sahel States in July 2024. The survey also covered perceptions of foreign influence in Togo and discrimination against women and girls among other topics. Koffi Amessou Adaba, a political sociologist and one of the lead authors of the study, shares insights into the survey's key findings, and the potential implications for Togo's future. The survey, which involved 1,200 people, reveals that 64% of Togolese respondents believe the withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger from the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) to form the Alliance of Sahel States is 'somewhat' or 'very' justified. This view is driven by three main factors: • a perception that Ecowas is influenced by foreign powers • a widespread rejection of Ecowas sanctions against Sahel states • the belief that Ecowas failed to provide military support during those countries' security crises. In addition, 54% of Togolese consider the presence of Russia (or the Wagner Group, now known as Africa Corps) in the Alliance of Sahel States to be beneficial. This trust in a non-western external actor reflects a profound shift in geopolitical perceptions in the region. Another important finding of this study is that 54% of Togolese believe their country would benefit from leaving Ecowas to join the Alliance of Sahel States. But opinions are split on whether the Alliance of Sahel States helps or hurts west African integration: 39% believe it doesn't undermine regional integration, but 37% think it does. Read more: This sentiment reflects growing frustration with Ecowas, which many Togolese now see as out of touch with the region's realities. The bloc is widely perceived as being too close to foreign powers and ineffective in responding to major security threats. Its repeated failures to help resolve Togo's political crises (of 2005 and 2017 for example) have only deepened public disillusionment. This frustration is unfolding alongside a broader wave of pan-Africanism in the region, marked by a growing rejection of former colonial powers and their institutional ties. But this momentum should be approached with caution. The desire to leave Ecowas reflects anger and a strong appetite for change, not necessarily a clear assessment of the economic and diplomatic fallout such a move could bring. Read more: Nearly six in ten Togolese (59%) say they trust the government to contain or root out the terror threat. This shows broad support for official counter-terrorism efforts, although some question the current strategy. Opinions are especially split on how the crisis is communicated. Some find the messaging vague or lacking in transparency. Others think it helps keep people alert without sparking panic. The survey reveals deeper concerns. Even Togolese outside conflict zones report growing insecurity. The northern crisis appears to be fuelling nationwide anxiety. Read more: Since tensions flared, Togo has been neutral. It has not openly condemned the Alliance of Sahel States countries and has maintained its membership of Ecowas. This careful stance reflects national sentiment – which leans towards support for the Alliance of Sahel States – while preserving Togo's strategic and economic interests. This approach isn't new. It's part of a long-standing Togolese tradition of balanced, pragmatic diplomacy. The nation has always pursued pragmatic and independent foreign policy that adapts to regional dynamics. As west Africa's geopolitical landscape shifts, Togo should: • maintain open cooperative relations with both Ecowas and the Alliance of Sahel States • preserve its strategic position as a logistics and trade hub for the region, particularly through the Port of Lomé • strengthen its image as a diplomatic force for stability in west Africa. Read more: Togo's careful balancing act remains its safest bet. The truth is, no one knows what the future holds for the Alliance of Sahel States bloc. But this middle ground gives Togo strategic flexibility regardless of how regional politics evolve. Togo's position leaves it well-placed either way. If the Alliance of Sahel States countries rejoin Ecowas, Togo keeps its influence. If they don't, it still benefits from its neutrality. Ultimately, Togo should keep playing this diplomatic card. Its measured approach offers rare stability in a volatile region. This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Koffi Améssou Adaba, Université de Lomé Read more: 3 things to watch as South Koreans head toward the polls following turbulent political period Why Islamic State is expanding its operations in north-eastern Nigeria IDF firing 'warning shots' near diplomats sets an unacceptable precedent in international relations Koffi Améssou Adaba does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

Palestinian Abou Ali seals Ahly win over NBE to maintain Egyptian League lead - Egyptian Football
Palestinian Abou Ali seals Ahly win over NBE to maintain Egyptian League lead - Egyptian Football

Al-Ahram Weekly

time17-05-2025

  • Sport
  • Al-Ahram Weekly

Palestinian Abou Ali seals Ahly win over NBE to maintain Egyptian League lead - Egyptian Football

Palestinian forward Wessam Abou Ali scored a stoppage-time winner as Ahly edged NBE Club 2-1 on Saturday to retain their lead in the Egyptian Premier League Playoff stage. Ahly remain top of the table with 55 points, two ahead of second-placed Pyramids FC, who defeated Petrojet 2-0 also on Saturday. Midfielder Emam Ashour opened the scoring in the 21st minute with a powerful strike from outside the area, moving him to the top of the league's scoring chart with 12 goals. Togolese striker Yaw Annor levelled for NBE Club just before halftime, dribbling past defenders in the box before calmly slotting home. Abou Ali, who came on at the start of the second half in place of Nejc Gradisar, netted the decisive goal in the sixth minute of added time, converting from close range after a well-placed assist by defender Yasser Ibrahim. Ahly coach Emad El-Nahhas also introduced Amr El-Sulaya, Mohamed 'Afsha' Magdi and Hussein El-Shahat in the second half to revitalise his side. El-Sulaya came close with a powerful long-range effort that forced a save from NBE goalkeeper Abdel Aziz El Balouti. Both teams had limited chances in the second half, with possession evenly shared, but Ahly's late push proved enough to secure the three points. Ahly will face Pharco FC on Wednesday, 28 May, in the final round of the Playoff stage, where they could celebrate the league title. (For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.) Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:

Togo Reports 1st Case of Mpox
Togo Reports 1st Case of Mpox

See - Sada Elbalad

time17-05-2025

  • Health
  • See - Sada Elbalad

Togo Reports 1st Case of Mpox

Rana Atef The Togolese government officially announced the country's first case of monkeypox. The country asserted that necessary measures have been taken to protect the population. Health authorities stated on Saturday that a 22-year-old woman who is currently receiving medical care in a hospital's infectious disease unit, according to local media sources. In its statement, the government urged the public to adopt responsible behavior to protect themselves and prevent infection. Recommended preventive measures include regular handwashing with clean water and soap, wearing a mask when coughing or sneezing, and avoiding contact with biological fluids, blood, or skin lesions of suspected or confirmed cases. Citizens are also encouraged to promptly notify healthcare professionals if they experience symptoms such as fever, skin rash, or unexplained fatigue. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Egypt confirms denial of airspace access to US B-52 bombers Lifestyle Pistachio and Raspberry Cheesecake Domes Recipe News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content Arts & Culture Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's $4.7M LA Home Burglarized Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War

Khorfakkan earn last-gasp draw with Bani Yas in six-goal thriller
Khorfakkan earn last-gasp draw with Bani Yas in six-goal thriller

Gulf Today

time14-05-2025

  • Sport
  • Gulf Today

Khorfakkan earn last-gasp draw with Bani Yas in six-goal thriller

Tarik Tissoudali scored a stoppage-time equalizer to earn Khorfakkan a deserved 3-3 draw in a cracking Matchweek 24 games against Bani Yas on Monday. It was a crazy game with a six-goal thriller at Bani Yas Stadium, as the drama lasted until the very last whistle. Youssoufou Niakate fired Bani Yas in front twelve minutes into the game after he was found unmarked inside the penalty area. Lazar Markovic threaded the ball through to Niakate, who slotted the ball into the back of the net. Kayque Soares Campos quickly restored the parity for the visitors four minutes later after timing his run perfectly to head in Abdulla Alkarbi's pinpoint cross. The Malian forward restored the lead for Bani Yas before the break as he netted a spectacular solo goal in the 38th minute, carving through the middle of the field before firing the ball into the bottom corner. He has been involved in Bani Yas' last eight goals, scoring seven and producing an assist. The hosts started the second half fiercely to secure the three points, and Lazar Markovic doubled their advantage two minutes before the hour-mark with a spectacular sublime strike that smashed the top corner. The match kept on delivering drama as substitute Cheickna Doumbia halved the deficit and pulled one back after poking in the rebound at the hour-mark. Khorfakkan kept pressing for the level, and Tarik Tissoudali scored at the death after successfully converting from a penalty spot. The result means Bani Yas sit eleventh with 26 points, while Khorfakkan are eighth with 33 points. Elsewhere, two first-half goals and another one in the second half helped Al Ain defeat Sharjah 3-0 on Monday. Al Ain killed the game from the first half by scoring two goals and netting another one in the dying moments of the second half. The victory led Al Ain temporarily to the fourth spot with 40 points, while Sharjah remained second with 45 points. Soufian Rahimi put Al Ain ahead after 33 minutes with a magnificent chip over the onrushing goalkeeper Khaled Tawhid. Five minutes into the first half's stoppage time, Laba Kodjo successfully stroked the ball into the bottom corner from the spot to double Al Ain's advantage. The Togolese striker equaled Caio Lucas as the top goalscorer of both clubs' encounters with eight goals. Maro Katinic was shown a red card in the 74th minute due to a foul on Matias Palacios. Mohamed Awad made it 3-0 in the dying moments after picking up the ball inside the box and steered it into the bottom corner to seal the victory. Meanwhile, Facundo Daniel's 53rd-minute header and Omar Khribin's 90th-minute goal were the difference in Al Wahda's 2-0 comfortable win over Dibba Al Hisn at Saqr Bin Mohammad al Qassimi Stadium. It means that Dibba Al Hisn have officially relegated to the second division, accompanying Al Orooba. It was a cagy first half between both clubs, ending in a goalless draw as Daniel scored the first goal seven minutes before the hour-mark and Omar Khribin doubled their advantage in the 90th minute. The result left Al Wahda third with 44 points, while Dibba Al Hisn remained 13th with 16 points. The first spotlight of the game was stolen in the 53rd minute when Facundo Daniel timed his run perfectly to head in Ruben Filipe's cross to be involved in seven goals in the last nine games for Al Wahda as his he scored seven headed goals out of 17. Following great teamwork from Al Wahda's players ended with the Syrian international Khribin steering the ball into the top corner in the 90th minute. Meanwhile, the UAE Pro League organized a technical workshop, in Dubai to discuss proposed updates and improvements for the upcoming 2025–2026 football season. The workshop was attended by UAE Pro League's Board Member, Chairman of the Technical Committee, Hassan Taleb Al Marri, and Musab Al Marzooqi, Acting CEO, in addition to representatives from all 14 professional clubs.

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