The EU must keep the countries of the Sahel orientated towards the bloc, a top European diplomat has said, amid widespread signs that the relationship between Brussels and some regional capitals is fraying.
Emanuela Del Re, the EU’s special representative for the Sahel, said countries in the region looked to the bloc as a “model” in terms of its social achievements, system of governance and welfare.
Relations between the EU and Mali, a country in the Sahel, have plummeted since military coups in August 2020 and May 2021. Last month soldiers also overthrew the president in Burkina Faso.
EU member states have sent troops to help train the Malian military and tackle extremist groups operating in the wider Sahel. But the presence of European troops in Mali could well end, amid disagreements between the military junta ruling the country and the EU.
France, the main foreign military power in the Sahel, said that “the conditions are no longer in place” for French troops to continue the fight against terrorists in Mali, including those linked to ISIS and Al Qaeda. Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said French soldiers would be sent elsewhere in the Sahel to maintain its mission. Mali’s military junta has also called for protests against France, in part due to international sanctions imposed on the country.
On Tuesday, Germany’s defence minister said “there will be no reason” for her country’s military to stay in Mali if the country delays presidential and legislative elections by four to five years, as has been suggested by the military junta.
Ms Del Re said the proposed four to five year wait for elections was unacceptable.
Western countries are also angry that Russian Wagner Group mercenaries are operating in Mali.
Ms Del Re, speaking at an online seminar organised by the European Council on Foreign Relations, said the presence of Wagner Group operatives was a “red line” and was unacceptable. Mali rejects claims that the Russian mercenaries are in the country.
