“Despite a particular year marked by the COVID-19 crisis, the Sahel remains high on the European agenda. My visit demonstrates our continued commitment to this region, where stability, security and development are priorities for the European Union. The obligation for results has never been stronger on both sides. The demands of the populations remain, and the expectations are numerous.”

The High Representative has visited Nouakchott, Mauritania from 21-22 April, met the President of the Republic, Mr. Mohamed Ould Cheikh El-Ghazouani, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Ismael Ould Cheikh Ahmed, Mr. Borrell has visited the G5 Sahel Defense College as well as the Mother-Child Hospital and its unit for the care of victims of sexual violence, supported by the European Union.

The High Representative then travelled to Chad, where he attended the funeral of President Idriss Déby Itno and met the President of Niger Mohamed Bazoun. In Mali on Saturday, he will meet the President of the Transition, Mr. Bah N'Daw., as well as Prime Minister Moctar Ouane and the President of the National Transitional Council. He will also visit the European Union training mission in Mali (EUTM Mali), as well as the European Union capacity-building mission in Mali (EUCAP Mali).

The new EU Strategy for Sahel affirms the importance of a solid and long-term partnership between the EU and the Sahel, and of stepping up that partnership through an ambitious EU strategy setting the framework for its policies and actions in the region.

There is a need to improve the fight against the impunity of perpetrators of human rights violations, against corruption and for good governance. States’ presence and efficiency are key to gain the confidence of the populations and to create the conditions for a return to peace, stability and development.

The European Union is and will remain a committed partner in the Sahel.

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See Also

• Council conclusions on the European Union’s Integrated Strategy in the Sahel
• Mauritanie : Remarques du haut représentant Josep Borrell lors du point presse après sa rencontre avec le Président de la Maurit
• Niger : Remarques du haut représentant Josep Borrell après sa rencontre avec le Président du Niger Mohamed Bazoum, durant sa vis