In late January, journalists and media professionals, part of the African Union Media Fellowship, visited the European Union's headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, for the third day of a week-long study tour. The group's mission was to reflect on 25 years of collaboration between the AU and the EU and to pave the way for future cooperative initiatives.
On that chilly Wednesday morning, EU spokespersons engaged with the visitors, addressing various topics such as security, trade, economics, and politics. A key message underscored during the discussions was that solutions to Africa's problems must stem from within the continent itself.
The discussions emphasized the necessity for strategic and customized solutions, mirroring the themes presented at the 7th AU-EU summit held in Luanda last November. This idea aligns with Agenda 2063, which promotes inclusive, sustainable socio-economic development, political unity, improved democratic practices and justice systems, as well as peace and security across all 55 AU member nations.
The EU's efforts to tackle the security crisis in the Sahel region were highlighted during the engagement. In light of recent military coups in Mali and Burkina Faso, the EU is now recalibrating its partnership to address insecurity through renewed military efforts and diplomatic dialogue.
Anouar El Anouni, the spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, stated, "Certainly, Africa can rely on EU support; however, it is the primary responsibility of national governments to confront security and governance issues within their countries. We firmly believe that African solutions should address African challenges."
The EU contributes to the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), a regional military alliance formed by Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad, Benin, and Niger to combat the Boko Haram insurgency and similar threats in the Lake Chad Basin. El Anouni disclosed that the EU has invested €234 million in support of this task force over the past decade, in addition to its military support through the European Peace Facility (EPF), initiated in 2022, aimed at enhancing diplomacy and security across African nations.
The spokesperson added that the total military assistance provided to African partners under the EPF has surpassed €1.2 billion. The EU maintains an active role in Africa with 11 civilian and military missions out of a global total of 21, ensuring stability and security across the continent.
Referring to the recent escalating security challenges in Nigeria, El Anouni reaffirmed the EU's commitment to supporting Nigeria's fight against violence and insecurity. He explained that the EU has a long-standing collaboration focused on peace-building and addressing violence while also aiding victims, notably those displaced by conflicts.
"We strive to tackle root causes by fostering dialogues among communities, including interfaith dialogues, which have proven essential in addressing recent crises," he stated.
In another ongoing initiative, the European Commission has allocated €557 million to address humanitarian crises in West and Central Africa, the Sahel, Lake Chad Basin, North-West Nigeria, and other regions. This funding is part of the Commission’s initial €1.9 billion humanitarian aid budget for 2026.
Additionally, €14.6 million has been set aside for North Africa, which faces a significant array of complex political, economic, and social challenges. As the need for assistance continues to rise—239 million people currently require support—the EU aims to mobilize private sector financing and innovative solutions to complement public funding.
The financial assistance aims to provide life-saving support in critical areas such as emergency food, shelter, healthcare, and educational resources for children in crisis zones. The EU's commitment is focused on principled aid that reaches individuals in need, regardless of their circumstances.
As the EU stands firm amidst changing dynamics in humanitarian assistance, its focus remains on delivering essential aid and building resilience across numerous regions in Africa.
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