European Commission
The European Union (EU) says it is changing its attitude towards Africa, from the aid handout mode to one of a mutual partnership.
The EU’s foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini held a meeting with her African Union (AU) counterpart, Moussa Faki Mahamat in Brussels on Monday.
“We are moving from the traditional, purely aid centred approach to Africa, to a real partnership, this is the best way to manage migration, this is also the best way of preventing radicalization and facing the challenges, but also getting the opportunities that the African continent offers to its young population,” the EU chief said.
Moussa Faki whiles largely agreeing with Mogherini said the root causes of migration needed to be addressed rather than their consequences. “…by sending people away, building camps, building barriers, we will never solve these problems,” he said.
In a post-meeting interview, Mogherini described the AU as a valuable, serious and consistent partner when it comes to shared values between the two political blocs.
“We always find in the
— EU External Action (eu_eeas) May 15, 2017_AfricanUniona valuable, serious and consistent partner". FedericaMog withMoussaFaki_M▶️https://t.co/3tCiBgnAoZ pic.twitter.com/sTM2RO0hte
EU foreign ministers meeting in Brussels focused largely on events in Africa as part of a general discussion this week on the bloc’s defence and security strategy.
Aside the issue of migration, also on the agenda was possible future military missions in North Africa and the Middle East, as well as the security situation in Somalia and South Sudan.
The AU chief subsequently addressed the ministers on Tuesday in the Strasbourg Chamber.
Migration, sustainable development, economic diplomacy as well as youth and issues to do with peace and security on the continent were among the issues raised by Mahamat.
Listening to
— Cécile Kyenge (ckyenge) May 16, 2017MoussaFaki_M, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, speaking at the European Parliament in #Strasbourg #EPlenary pic.twitter.com/ZHeHau5MwX
00:47
African Union says continent's rising debt crisis undermines development
02:21
Migrant returnees to Guinea describe ordeals faced
00:54
Mali: African Union Commission calls for urgent international action on security crisis
00:31
Ports in Africa: Vincent Bolloré headed for trial after Paris court clears proceedings
00:03
US to end Temporary Protected Status for South Sudanese nationals
01:23
African Union monitors say Tanzanian poll did not meet international standards