German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock embarked on a two-day trip to West Africa to address the growing instability in the Sahel region. During her visit to Senegal and the Ivory Coast, she emphasized the interconnectedness of security and development in the region with that of Europe. Baerbock highlighted the impact of issues such as terrorism, migration, organized crime, and poverty on both continents.
The recent military uprisings in Mali, Chad, Guinea, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Gabon, as well as sectarian violence in Sudan, have raised concerns about humanitarian crises and potential genocides. Baerbock expressed Germany’s commitment to responding to the challenges in the Sahel region while maintaining a pragmatic approach.
In her discussions with officials, Baerbock focused on topics like migration and sustainability. Senegal’s investment in electric Bus Rapid Transit and the EU’s Global Gateway initiative underscored the importance of infrastructure development in emerging countries. Senegal’s role as a transit point for refugees further emphasized the need for collaboration between Africa and Europe to address shared challenges.