Lomé hosts extraordinary African Political Alliance conference on Middle East crisis
The Togolese capital hosted an extraordinary ministerial conference of the African Political Alliance (APA) on Friday, July 3, at the Palais des Congrès. The meeting brought together foreign ministers and representatives from several African states, Middle Eastern countries, and international organizations. Initiated by Togo, the conference addressed a question that has become central: the economic and security repercussions of the Middle East crisis on the African continent.
Opening the proceedings, President of the Council Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé rightly reminded participants that Africa cannot perceive this crisis as a distant event.
It directly affects economies, security, and the collective capacity of the continent to influence international stability.
The Togolese head of state urged African countries to strengthen their economic, energy, and security resilience, while developing genuine anticipation capacity in the face of global geopolitical upheavals.
Togolese Foreign Minister Robert Dussey stressed that this crisis places energy sovereignty, food security, and economic integration back at the heart of continental priorities themes that Togo has long championed through its diplomatic initiatives.
The final declaration adopted at the close of proceedings recommends accelerating economic diversification, industrial development, the effective implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), as well as strengthening energy infrastructure, refining capacities, and regional interconnections.
Beyond the economic dimension, participants insisted on the need to deepen diplomatic cooperation between Africa and the Middle East. The text condemns violence against civilian populations, calls for respect for international humanitarian law, and supports ongoing mediation efforts.
A major decision was adopted: the creation of a permanent framework for strategic dialogue between the two regions on peace, security, and development issues.
Paul-Simon Handy, Director of the Regional Bureau of the Foundation for Capacity Building in Africa, welcomed an initiative that offers African states a space for consultation on major geopolitical issues.
He estimated that the continent, indirectly affected by this conflict, legitimately has a say in shaping future international balances.
Founded by Togo in 2023, the APA thus confirms its vocation as a Pan-African consultation platform, while consolidating Lomé’s position as an indispensable regional center for diplomatic and strategic dialogue.
Kodjovi Makafui
