Mikser: Situation in Mali affects security in all of Europe

Mali is a key nation in Africa, and the situation there affects security in all of Europe, Minister of Foreign Affairs Sven Mikser (SDE) said following the Estonian government’s approval on Thursday of a status of forces agreement with Mali.

“The situation in Africa and specifically in Mali as one of the key nations of that continent affects the security of all of Europe,” Mikser said, referring primarily to the spread of terrorism and illegal trade. “It is of utmost importance currently to focus on ensuring people’s security and fighting extremist groups in Mali, otherwise no progress will be made in implementing the peace agreement and reconstruction. Estonia is ready to increase its contributions to this effort.”

According to the minister, Estonia’s participation in the anti-terrorist Operation Barkhane is also a sign of close defence-related cooperation with France.

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Originally published on ERR

Can AU Tackle Security Challenges in the Sahel?

African leaders meeting in Mauritania last week pledged to redouble efforts aimed at curtailing and defeating extremist groups on the continent, especially in the Sahel region.

The pledge followed a rash of attacks by jihadi terrorist groups in two Sahel countries, including an attack that killed 10 Nigerien soldiers in the country’s southeast and an attack on the headquarters of the regional anti-jihadist G5 Sahel Force in Sevare and two other attacks in Mali.

But some experts are warning that there is not much the African Union can do to enhance the capabilities of the G5 force that was established last year.

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Originally published on VOA News