Since Tuesday, June 3, 2026, Lomé has been the venue for a crucial Regional Dialogue aimed at strengthening the prevention agenda across the Gulf of Guinea. This significant gathering brings together government representatives, regional institutions, various United Nations agencies, technical and financial partners, and community stakeholders actively involved in peacebuilding and conflict prevention efforts.
During the opening remarks, Calixte Madjoulba, the Minister of Security, delivered a powerful message. He emphasized that in the face of evolving threats impacting West Africa, only a coordinated, sustainable, and prevention-focused approach can truly ensure the sub-region’s long-term stability.
The gulf of Guinea under increasing pressure: terrorism, crime, and climate crisis
In his address, Minister Madjoulba presented an unambiguous assessment: the Gulf of Guinea is grappling with an escalating array of complex security and socio-economic challenges.
Violent extremism, terrorism, transnational organized crime, illicit trafficking, the proliferation of small arms, communal tensions, and the profound effects of climate change are progressively eroding the social and economic stability of the region.
Adding to these dangers are the direct repercussions of the Sahelian crisis, particularly the displacement of populations and the increasing strain placed on host communities and local resources.
“No single state can provide a fully effective response on its own,” asserted Calixte Madjoulba, stressing that the current challenges far outreach national borders.
Togo advocates for a holistic security vision
According to the Minister, the fight against insecurity cannot be confined solely to military or police interventions.
“Sustainable security cannot be guaranteed by security responses alone,” he declared to the assembled participants.
This fundamental belief underpins Togo’s public policy, driven by the leadership of the President of the Council, Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé.
The national strategy is built on a straightforward principle: simultaneously bolstering security, development, and social cohesion to address the underlying causes of crises.
Key levers considered vital for long-term conflict prevention include reducing inequalities, enhancing governance, fostering social inclusion, creating employment opportunities for young people, and strengthening community resilience.
“protect, gather, transform”: the triptych of togolese public action
At the core of this strategy lies the