On 17 June, in Brussels, the foreign ministers of the 'Sahel G5' (Burkina Faso, Mali, Mauritania, Niger and Chad) met HRVP Federica Mogherini and Humanitarian Aid Commissioner Christos Stylianidis. This was the first meeting in this format, although the EU has close bilateral relations with each of the Sahel countries.
A joint communiqué was adopted welcoming the common understanding between long-time partners, confirming that the two regions shared the same views on the security challenges facing them (Libya, Boko Haram, etc.), and seeking to initiate a regular, structured political dialogue between the EU and the 'G5'.
Cooperation will be deepened in the priority areas identified in the EU's Sahel Regional Action Plan such as preventing and fighting radicalisation, creating development conditions that help young people, managing migration and combating illegal trafficking and transnational organised crime. The EU also referred to the current ideas to create a trust fund for the Sahel so as to better coordinate the substantial financial envelope for the region, including Member State contributions, of EUR 8 billion until 2020.
The next meeting in this format is planned for next year in the Sahel region. Until then, exchanges with the 'G5' will be developed at all relevant levels across policy areas.
Links:
Joint Communiqué - Meeting in Brussels between the EU and the Sahel G5 countries Statement by High Representative/Vice President Federica Mogherini following her meeting with the foreign ministers of the Sahel G5 - Burkina Faso, Mali, Mauritania, Niger and Chad
