The contrast between the progress being made in Ethiopia and Somalia and the deteriorating situation in Sudan, which threatens the stability of the whole Horn of Africa – while Kenya is a haven of stability – was highlighted on Monday 22 May by the foreign ministers of the EU Member States.
The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, emphasised this contrast at the end of a renewed discussion by ministers about this region of Africa, which remains a strategic priority (see EUROPE 13184/9, 12975/7).
“Unfortunately, the situation in Sudan is very worrying. A ceasefire is the first priority”, said the High Representative. While the Sudanese armed forces and the Rapid Support Forces came to an agreement on Saturday in Jeddah (under the aegis of the United States and Saudi Arabia) to hold a new one-week ceasefire that was supposed to come into effect on Monday evening, Borrell said that “agreements are a good thing, but they have to be followed up by action, otherwise they are useless”.
He gave assurances that the EU will continue to support “a robust African-led framework” and will engage with partners to identify mediators.
Borrell highlighted “recognition of the pivotal role played by Djibouti” in helping the EU repatriate its nationals from Sudan.
In his opinion, Kenya, is “a pillar of stability and plays an important role in stabilising the whole region”.
In Ethiopia, the agreement to cease hostilities after 2 years of conflict has allowed for the conditional and gradual resumption of relations with the EU, based on progress made in humanitarian access throughout the country and accountability for violations of international humanitarian law and human rights.
Progressive normalisation will aim at recovery, reconstruction and reconciliation – the ‘3 Rs’. “Reconciliation is the key word. We will support this reconciliation”, Borrell added.
He said that the European Commission would implement the €180 million already approved to fund health and education programmes and would focus on conflict-affected areas.
For Somalia, the operational roadmap launched in early May for the next 24 months will start to take effect next month (see EUROPE 13173/21).
Mr Borrell also announced the launch of a new ‘strategic communication task force’ for Africa to step up “strategic communication in and with Africa and to counter foreign manipulation and interference”. (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)