The recent summit between the European Union and the African Union raised hopes of genuine cooperation between the sides. A key test of the partnership will be in whether the EU lives up to its promises.
Legislation on human rights due diligence is coming. For it to succeed, the EU will need to coordinate key institutions and raise awareness of its benefits for Europe’s partners and companies.
The Economic Community of West African States should ensure that its sanctions on Mali do not harm ordinary citizens – and that it lifts them if the country’s military junta supports a democratic transition
Following the prime minister’s resignation, Europeans should now attempt to avert the military from further repression, engage the broader civilian constituency, and seek a new form of mediation
Western leaders can prevent Sudan’s military from drifting further into dependence on the Kremlin. To achieve this, they will need to take a more assertive approach to supporting the country’s protest movement and dealing with its military.
A permanent Chinese military installation in Equatorial Guinea is the culmination of nearly a decade’s investment in Africa – and will not be the last of such bases on the continent’s Atlantic coast
European leaders’ current approach to covid-19 is short-sighted and self-defeating. Unless they implement a decisive and credible plan to end the pandemic everywhere, they will face a series of severe health, economic, and geopolitical consequences.
Europeans reacted sharply to the news of Wagner Group’s interest in Mali – and interviews suggest the company has been present in the country. But European states and the EU remain the dominant security and development player in the Sahel.
Divergences are growing between the demands of Sudan’s powerful protest movement and the approach taken by the international community. Both can offer solutions, but they need to move quickly.
Sudan’s civilian protest movement is fighting for democracy. Europe can play a decisive role, but to do so its condemnation must come with consequences.