Togo pauses foreign mining permits, moves to join the Alliance of Sahel States (AES)

The government of Togo announced Sunday, June 1, 2025, a temporary suspension on the issuance of new mining permits to foreign companies, while it plans to join the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).

Online media sources suggest that this measure is part of a broader effort to:

• reform the country’s mining sector,
• ensure better resource governance, and,
• assert national sovereignty.

The pause comes at a pivotal time, as Togo explores the possibility of joining the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).

The AES is a regional political and economic bloc established by Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.

In an official statement, a representative from Togo’s Ministry of Mines explained the rationale behind the decision.

“We are taking a necessary break to build a new mining framework that benefits our people, respects the environment, and ensures national sovereignty,” the spokesperson said.

This declaration reflects a strategic reassessment of the country’s natural resource management policies and its priorities moving forward.

The government’s action is not merely a halt but a deliberate administrative pause designed to prevent a surge in permit applications.

This comes while new, more comprehensive legislation is being developed.

This future legal framework will aim to provide clearer procedures and enhance oversight mechanisms within the mining sector.

The goal is to establish a system that promotes long-term benefits for the nation, rather than short-term gains for external investors.

By suspending foreign access to new mining opportunities, Togo is sending a strong message to both local and international stakeholders.

The government seeks to underscore its commitment to a more balanced, equitable, and sustainable approach to managing its mineral resources.

This move is reportedly meant to prioritize national interests.

It supposedly has a focus on fairer distribution of mining revenues, environmental protection, and greater accountability from mining operators.

This transition represents a significant shift in Togo’s approach to resource governance.

The country aims to transform its extractive industries into a model of responsible and transparent economic development.

It therefore aligns with modern standards that consider both ecological impacts and social equity.

In doing so, Togo joins a growing number of African nations looking to assert greater control over their natural wealth.

This comes amid rising concerns about exploitation and environmental degradation tied to foreign mining ventures.

The timing of this policy change is particularly noteworthy, as it coincides with Togo’s consideration of membership in the Alliance of Sahel States.

The AES is a regional alliance initially formed by three West African nations – Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.

It was supposedly formed as a response to shared challenges including security threats, political instability, and the need for cooperative economic development.

The alliance is also seen as a platform for asserting regional autonomy in the face of international pressures, particularly from former colonial powers and global corporations.

For Togo, joining the AES would mark a significant geopolitical alignment.

Although not traditionally considered a Sahelian country, Togo’s potential entry into the bloc suggests a desire to strengthen regional solidarity.

It also plans to participate in a collective push for sovereignty, especially over critical sectors like mining.

Such a move could also signal Togo’s intent to diversify its partnerships and reinforce its political and economic independence.

The temporary freeze on mining permits can therefore be seen as an internal policy shift.

It can also be seen as a diplomatic gesture, demonstrating Togo’s readiness to adopt the principles promoted by the AES.

These principles emphasize national ownership of resources, rejection of neocolonial exploitation, and regional cooperation.

As the Togolese government prepares to overhaul its mining framework, both domestic and foreign actors in the sector will be watching closely.

Investors may face a period of uncertainty.

However, the government believes that the long-term benefits of a clearer, more robust regulatory environment will outweigh any short-term delays.

In the meantime, the country remains focused on creating a mining sector that serves its people.

The mining sector is also targeted at protecting the country’s environment, and aligns with its broader national and regional goals.

In conclusion, experts say that Togo’s decision to pause new foreign mining permits is a calculated move aimed at reshaping its extractive industries and asserting greater sovereignty.

As the nation considers joining the Alliance of Sahel States, experts believe that this step could mark the beginning of a new chapter.

A new chapter in both its domestic policy and international positioning.

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