The importance of peace and dialogue in international relations was reaffirmed recently during the speech of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Togo at the United Nations in New York. In his speech, Minister Robert Dussey stressed that Togo was a “country of peace” which opposed war whatever its reasons.
This declaration only strengthens Togo’s positioning as a neutral mediator in Africa. Since the 1980s, the country has played an active role in conflict resolution, organizing meetings between the warring parties and helping to free soldiers detained by other countries in the region.
This pacifist position stands out in particular with regard to the situation in Niger, another member country of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which faces threats of military intervention from the part of the regional organization. Togo clearly affirms its opposition to any foreign military intervention in a country in the region, highlighting its respect for the sovereignty of nations and its commitment to dialogue and the peaceful resolution of conflicts.
However, this position also raises questions within the Togolese opposition. Some believe that these pacifist statements aim to divert attention to the country’s internal problems, notably the fourth term of President Faure Gnassingbé and the absence of a date for the next elections.
Despite these criticisms, Togo continues to advocate peace and dialogue as essential foundations of international relations. This positioning, which seeks to reconcile national interests and those of the international community, strengthens Togo’s reputation as a country of peace and an actor of stability in the region.
In conclusion, the speech by Togo’s foreign minister at the UN highlights the country’s pacifist positioning and its opposition to any foreign military intervention. However, it must also be emphasized that these statements are subject to interpretation and attract criticism from within the opposition. Nevertheless, Togo continues to play an important role in the search for peace and dialogue in Africa, thus strengthening its reputation as a country of peace.