We need a global strategy for the Sahel, ask MEPs

(BRUSSELS2) Several MEPs today asked the European Union and its High Representative for Foreign Affairs to be a little more engaged on the issue of the Sahel. This is the case of Frenchman Arnaud Danjean, chairman of the "security and defense" sub-committee of the European Parliament, who spoke today in Strasbourg on behalf of most political groups (except GUE, European United Left). The European Union must equip itself rapidly of a comprehensive, integrated strategy capable of combining the necessary development policies and ambitious security policies he asked. " A more regionally coordinated approach and using the full range of instruments that the EU can mobilize is now essential to deal with an extremely worrying situation. ».

The urgency here is not theoretical. Every Frenchman, of course, has in mind the death of the two young Frenchmen kidnapped in Niger recently. But there are also several hostages. And the danger remains. We must be fully aware of " the reality of the threats posed by terrorist networks and criminal networks to the stability of Mauritania, Niger and Mali, but also to the very security of the European continent" explained Arnaud Danjean. " There are few areas so close to Europe, harboring so many threats to our security, in which the European Union can and must finally implement the global approach promoted by the Treaty of Lisbon and which motivated the creation of the European External Action Service”.

NB: The Sahel issue should be the subject of political conclusions at the EU Council of Ministers, but the famous "security and development" strategy which should be presented in January will finally be presented in February. A first debate at the COPS, the political and security committee of the EU, is scheduled for the beginning of February. And it should be endorsed by foreign ministers on February 21.

(Nicolas Gros-Verheyde)