Underlining the multiple challenges facing the Sahel and Sahara regions, such as climate change, economic crises and terrorist attacks, the European Parliament called on Europe, on Thursday 5 May, to show more solidarity by supporting the region politically and militarily.
In the resolution by the Renew Europe, S&D, EPP and ECR groups, adopted by a show of hands, MEPs call for a comprehensive response with coordinated policies on security, climate, development and trade, while making clear that any long-term political and security cooperation will require realistic timetables from African partners for the return to democracy.
They also recall that improving the security situation will require addressing the root causes of violence and conflict, including poverty, climate change, displacement and lack of access to education and opportunities. The European Parliament also expresses its deep concern about the sharp deterioration in food security and calls on the EU to increase its financial and humanitarian support.
The Parliament notes, as well, the difficulties of the EU’s CSDP missions in achieving their mandate, “ namely to adequately train the armed forces of partner countries to fight jihadism”, and calls for a gap assessment. The Parliament also calls for the suspension of all EU assistance to the Malian security sector until all crimes allegedly committed by Malian security forces have been brought to justice (see EUROPE 12925/14).
Moreover, in its opinion, the involvement of the Wagner Group is incompatible with security and defence cooperation with the EU.
Finally, MEPs want the G5 Sahel to be fully operational and to cooperate closely with EU Member States by strengthening financial capacities, exchanging military equipment and providing effective training for military and civilian operations.
See the resolution: https://aeur.eu/f/1ix (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)