The strategic importance of Africa for the EU was underlined on Thursday 12 December by EU leaders. The latter have given a mandate to the Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, to prepare the June European Council’s strategic debate on EU-Africa relations for the African Union/European Union Summit in Brussels in 2020 (see EUROPE 12386/3).
“Africa is an extremely important continent for us. This is why we want to develop our close relations with this continent”, said the President of the European Council, Charles Michel.
The Heads of State and Government also addressed the issue of the fight against terrorism in the Sahel, in the aftermath of the jihadist attack on the Inatès camp in Niger, which killed around 100 people, including more than 70 Nigerien soldiers.
Towards an increased European presence in the Sahel. With regard to the development of the European presence in West Africa and the Sahel, “France is at the forefront, with the support of other European countries. We have discussed how the EU can be more involved. The High Representative has expressed his interest in continuing to work in cooperation with various Member States on this subject”, stressed Mr Michel.
He added, “We would like to express our condolences and support to the people of Niger for the recent tragedy, which shows how much this threat in West Africa is a threat to the countries and peoples concerned and also a threat to our own security, our freedoms, our values of the rule of law and democracy”.
French President Emmanuel Macron took stock of the situation, referring to “the policy that France wishes to pursue” with a commitment from a greater number of countries and the “clarifications” it expects from the five countries of the G5 Sahel, particularly in view of their critical perception of the French presence.
He said that period of mourning loss in Niger, he had decided, in agreement with President Mahamadou Issoufou, to postpone the ‘Barkhane Summit’ which was to take place on Monday in Pau. It will be held in January and the High Representative will be involved, he has told reporters. The exact date has yet to be determined.
On Thursday, Josep Borrell expressed the EU’s empathy and solidarity with the Nigerien people in a statement.
“Those who seek to weaken us will not win. A stronger, collective and sustained response is needed to eradicate the root causes of terrorism and instability”, he said. And to reiterate the EU’s determination to support Niger’s efforts to ensure the security of its citizens, the redeployment of the State in fragile areas and the country’s development. (Original version in French by Aminata Niang with the editorial staff)