On Monday 19 June, the European Union reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the countries of the Sahel in their efforts to stabilise this region, which is prey to terrorism and the criminal trafficking of humans and drugs. This is the main message in the conclusions adopted by the Council of the EU on the sidelines of the Foreign Affairs Council in Luxembourg.
The Council strongly condemns the terrorist attack carried out in Bamoko the previous day, with the loss of many lives. High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini told press on Monday that the attack had claimed two victims "among our colleagues from the European Union – a Portuguese victim (a solider) who was part of the European Union Training Mission in Mali (EUTM Mali) and a Malian colleague who was working for the EU delegation".
The Council reiterates its full support for the full and swift implementation of the peace and reconciliation agreement in Mali, with the full participation of civil society, including women and young people – the only means of re-establishing peace and security in the country. Mogherini's participation in the meeting of the committee for monitoring the peace agreement (CSA), which was held in Bamoko on 5 June 2017, reflects the EU's commitment to this agreement.
The EU hails the frontline political role of the G5 Sahel countries, the ECOWAS and the African Union in efforts to ensure security, development and reconciliation in the region. It also hails the initiative of the G5 Sahel heads of state on the creation of a joint G5 Sahel force – to which the EU will make a €50 million financial contribution, as announced by Mogherini at the meeting of the G5 Sahel foreign ministers (see EUROPE 11802). (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)