João Gomes Cravinho is appointed as its Special Representative(EUSR) for the Sahel by the European Union. EU foreign ministers approved the selection, and Cravinho will start his new position in December 2024. He was the former Portuguese foreign affairs minister. His term will last until August 2026.
João Gomes Cravinho Appointed EU Representative For Sahel
One of Africa’s larger regions is the Sahel. This region is very important for the EU. It affects Europe’s security, migration patterns, and development efforts. It goes from Senegal in west to Eritrea in east.
They said in the statement:
The Council today appointed João Cravinho as EU Special Representative (EUSR) for the Sahel region. The new EUSR will actively contribute to regional and international efforts to achieve lasting peace, security, stability and sustainable development in the region, which includes Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Niger.
He will also interact with nearby places include the Gulf of Guinea and the Maghreb.
They added:
The EUSR will also collaborate with the countries of the Lake Chad basin and with other countries and regional or international entities within and outside the region, including the Maghreb and the Gulf of Guinea and neighbouring countries affected by the dynamics of the Sahel
Why The Sahel Is Important
The Sahel faces many challenges. These include armed conflicts, political instability, and climate issues. Armed groups and extremist violence are common.
The region is also a key migration route to Europe. Many people leave the Sahel because of poverty and violence. This has made the area a focus for EU policymakers. By supporting regional development and stability, the EU hopes to address the underlying reasons of migration.
Another issue facing the Sahel is climate change. The region is very vulnerable to desertification and drought. These environmental issues worsen poverty and instability.
Since 2014, the European Union has committed over eight billion euros in investments in the Sahel. This money is allocated for security, humanitarian assistance, and development. Their goal is to create long term solutions while managing immediate crises.
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João Gomes Cravinho’s Experience
Cravinho has significant experience as a diplomat. He was Portugal’s foreign affairs minister during Prime Minister António Costa. During his tenure in government, he became famous for his strong support for worldwide causes.
One example is his commitment to helping Palestinian refugees. When some countries reduced funding to UNRWA the UN agency that aids Palestinian refugees Cravinho ensured Portugal increased its contributions. This showed his dedication to vulnerable communities.
Cravinho said:
I won’t be short of work, and neither will the strategic importance of the region for Europe. If we don’t take care of this, and nobody else will, because the United States looks at the Sahel as a problem that affects Europe, NATO doesn’t have the tools or the vocation to work here either, so it’s up to the European Union to use its tools to generate a different dynamic in the region
In October, Cravinho spoke about his new role. He stressed the importance of the Sahel for Europe. He noted that neither the United States nor NATO prioritizes the region. As a result the EU must take the lead. He is committed to using EU’s tools to create positive change.
EU’s Strategy For Sahel
In 2013, the position of EU Special Representative for the Sahel was established. Enhancing cooperation and promoting regional political discussion are its goals. Cravinho’s responsibilities will include several key areas.
The Sahel is a hotspot for extremist groups and armed rebels. Attacks on civilians and security forces are frequent. The EU supports local efforts such as the G5 Sahel Joint Force to combat terrorism.
Millions of people in the Sahel need urgent help. The EU provides food, medical aid, and shelter for those displaced by conflict.
The EU invests in long-term projects such as building infrastructure and creating jobs. These efforts aim to reduce poverty and improve living conditions.
The Sahel suffers from weak governments and political unrest. The EU works with local leaders to strengthen institutions and promote dialogue.
Challenges For Cravinho
Cravinho will face many challenges in his new role. The Sahel is a region with overlapping crises. Violent conflicts, poverty, and climate change are all connected. Political instability which includes recent military coups adds to the difficulty.
An important hurdle is finding a balance between immediate demands and long-term objectives. While security is a top concern, long-term fixes need tackling the underlying causes of instability. This means improving education that will reduce poverty and tackle inequality.
Another challenge is working with other international organizations. The problems in the Sahel affect neighboring regions as well. Cravinho will need to collaborate with groups like the African Union and global partners to achieve meaningful results.
Cravinho is aware of the importance of his new role. He described the Sahel as strategically vital to Europe. His attempts to restore peace and optimism to one of the most unstable areas in the globe will be widely observed.
