On Thursday 16 May in Brussels, the European Ministers for Development Cooperation stressed the importance of socio-economic development issues for the Sahel, as well as the importance of security in this African region, which is facing multiple challenges, including poverty and food insecurity, which are worsening with the recent deterioration of the security situation.
The discussion on the Sahel took place at the Foreign Affairs Council in Development format, following the conclusions adopted by the Foreign Affairs Council on 13 May (see EUROPE 12253/3) and discussions with European Defence Ministers and their counterparts in the G5 Sahel (Burkina Faso, Mauritania, Mali, Niger, Chad) the following day (see EUROPE 12254/10).
The Development ministers stressed the urgency of providing basic services to local populations, restoring a State presence, particularly in central Mali and northern Burkina Faso, and addressing climate change, an aggravating factor for this already poor and vulnerable region.
Like their colleagues before them, they confirmed the importance of the EU's integrated strategy for the Sahel, covering both political dialogue and cooperation on security and development in the region. (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)