Senegal: President calls on Europe to make more commitment to Sahel stability

Senegalese President Diomayet Faye called on Europe to do more to tackle instability in the Sahel region during a meeting with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Seches on Thursday, who expressed Senegal’s desire to be involved in the region.

The situation facing the Sahel region in the face of terrorism requires global mobilization by the international community, especially Europe and the countries concerned, because it is well known that the security fate of the African and European continents is closely linked. “Faye made a statement to the press in Dakar.

In July, the regional group ECOWAS appointed Mr. Faye as mediator for the reentry of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger into the group, three countries deeply affected by jihadism and violence, where soldiers seized power by force since 2020, when Senegal bordered Mali.

Mr. Seches, for his part, welcomed the mediation efforts, saying the Sahel region was “of strategic importance” to Spain, “so we want to contribute to its stability and prosperity.”

The three Sahel countries have stepped up their break with the West, quitting ECOWAS in January, accusing it of being irrelevant to the former French colonial power and not supporting them in their fight against jihadism, and forming their own alliance as they turn politically and militarily towards Russia.

Senegal is the third and final stop on Mr. Seches’ three-day trip to West Africa, aimed primarily at curbing a sharp increase in illegal immigration to the country.

Spain signed “circular migration” agreements with Mauritania and Gambia on Tuesday and Wednesday, which establish a coordinated framework for regular entry into Spanish territory based on labour needs.

Spain and Senegal already have ties through a migration supervision agreement.

Mr Seches announced the signing of a new agreement with Senegal that integrates new areas of activity, including the training of Senegalese workers settled in Spain.

Senegal is one of the main departure points for thousands of Africans who for years have taken the dangerous Atlantic route trying to reach Europe, mainly through Spain’s Canary Islands.

On Wednesday evening, the Senegalese army announced another rescue operation off the coast of Morocco with 41 migrants on board, including 28 Malians, 12 Senegalese and one Ivorian.

Amt/Lal/BLB