FULL STATEMENT:
On July 7th 2025, Annette Weber and João Cravinho, the European Union Special Representatives (EUSR) for the Horn
of Africa and for the Sahel, respectively, visited Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to hold high-level discussions with key
interlocutors also engaged in contributing to lasting Peace, Security, and Development in the regions. Their day
started with a high-level breakfast on “Responding to the Crises in the Sahel and Sudan: What visions for the
Future?”, with the participation of H.E. Bankole Adeoye, AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security and
H.E. Javier Niño Pérez, EU Ambassador to the AU. The event, in collaboration with International Crisis Group, allowed
for an active exchange on the paths towards a peaceful, stable, and prosperous future in the two regions, mindful of
the existing links between the dynamics in both contexts. More info here
A strong cooperation in peace and security is a key pillar of the EU-Africa partnership that celebrates 25 years in 2025
(#AUEU25). This commitment was confirmed once again at the EU-AU Ministerial meeting that took place on May 21
2025 in Brussels. The European Union has been a reliable and major partner to the African-led Peace and Security
initiatives and to the African Union architecture.
During the visit, the EU Special Representatives met with H.E. Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African
Union Commission: a meeting that allowed both parties to exchange on the role that the AU and the EU can play in
the Sahel and the Horn of Africa, two regions of strategic importance. The visit also included a conversation with H.E.
Selma Malika Haddadi, African Union Deputy Chairperson, and H.E. Parfait Onanga-Anyanga, UN Special
Representative for the Secretary-General to the African Union and Head of UNOAU. They engaged, as well, with the
resident European Union Member States.
The main objectives for the visit were to engage with the African Union leadership, understanding the AUC role and
headship in these regions, listen to different stakeholders on the current situation and possible solutions and to
reaffirm the European Union continuous support. They emphasised the importance for all interested parties to remain
active, in a spirit of open dialogue and mutual respect, to which regional political processes are fundamental, despite
the complex and volatile contexts at hand.
Reflecting on their visit, EUSR Cravinho stated: “Coming to Addis is always an opportunity to reaffirm the quality of the
AU-EU cooperation and I have been really pleased with the quality of the exchanges I have had. It is very encouraging
to see the AU’s interest in taking a growing role when it comes to the Sahel, where African leadership is needed more
than ever. I had the chance to brief on the ongoing reflections for a renewed EU approach for the Sahel, which I have
been working on for the past months and which requires, among other things, an integrated approach that is mindful
of spill-over effects and interdependencies, namely with the Horn of Africa and the Gulf of Guinea. I hope to work
closely with the newly appointed AU Special Representative for West Africa and the Sahel to progress on our many
issues of common interest.”
EUSR Weber added: “We are witnessing a rollercoaster of events in a turbulent global geo-political environment. There
are a number of complex dynamics at interplay, which require a renewed strategic and coordinated engagement,
enhanced regional and multilateral frameworks and a clear commitment to peace and stability. We must recognise the
significant potential that both the Sahel and the Horn regions harbour, particularly the richness of young
demographies who yearn for a different future with stable, peaceful, equitable, independent and democratic
governance. Specifically on Sudan, our EU engagement focus on coordination, civilians, de-escalation and significant
contributions to humanitarian responses. There is urgency to silence the guns, restore hope for the suffering civilian
populations and build a positive vision for the future, based on multilateral and regionally integrated solutions.”
Background:
Ms Annette Weber was appointed as EU Special Representative for the Horn of Africa on 1 July 2021. The mandate of
the Special Representative is to actively contribute to regional and international efforts to achieve lasting peace,
security and development in the region. The Special Representative also aims to enhance the quality, intensity and
impact of the EU’s multifaceted engagement in the Horn of Africa. Ms Annette Weber is a German national with over
25 years of experience in the region having facilitated peace talks at the highest political levels. She has an established
track record of advising the UN, the EU and the German government on the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region.
She is also a speaker at the Munich Security Conference on regional issues.
Mr João Cravinho took up the duties of EU Special Representative for the Sahel on 18 November 2024. His mandate is
to lead the EU’s contribution to regional and international efforts for lasting peace, security and development in the
Sahel. He also coordinates the EU’s comprehensive approach to the regional crisis, on the basis of the EU Strategy for
Security and Development in the Sahel. Mr. Cravinho served as Minister of Foreign Affairs of Portugal from 2022 to
2024. He previously held the positions of Minister of National Defence, EU Ambassador to Brazil, EU Ambassador to
India, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Lecturer of International Relations at Coimbra University
and President of the Portuguese Cooperation Institute.
The EU Special Representatives (EUSRs) promote the EU’s policies and interests in specific regions and countries and
play an active role in efforts to consolidate peace, stability and the rule of law. The EUSRs support the work of the EU
High Representative/Vice President (HR/VP) Kaja Kallas in the regions concerned. They play an important role in the
development of a stronger and more effective EU Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP).
