EU Appoints Veteran Africa Diplomat to Advance Sahel Strategy

July 24, 2026
By Mintesinot Nigussie

The European Union has appointed Danish diplomat Birgitte Nygaard Markussen as its next Special Representative for the Sahel, entrusting a veteran of African diplomacy with advancing the bloc's political and security engagement across one of its most challenging regions. Markussen will assume the role on September 1, 2026, for an initial 12-month mandate ending August 31, 2027, succeeding João Cravinho, who has served as the EU's Special Representative for the Sahel since November 2024.

Her appointment comes as the EU implements its renewed 2025 approach to the Sahel, aimed at supporting lasting peace, security, stability and sustainable development across Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Niger, as well as the wider region. As the EU's Special Representative, Markussen will support High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas in implementing the bloc's regional strategy. Her responsibilities will include leading the EU's political dialogue with partners, strengthening coordination across the Union's political, security and development initiatives, and increasing the visibility of its engagement in the Sahel.

She will also work closely with governments in the region, neighbouring states, regional organisations, the United Nations, the African Union and other international partners to support conflict prevention and resolution while promoting greater regional cooperation in addressing security, humanitarian and governance challenges. Markussen brings extensive experience in African affairs and EU external relations. She currently serves as Denmark's Special Envoy to the Sahel and Great Lakes region. Between 2016 and 2023, she held several senior positions within the European External Action Service, including Head of the EU Delegation to the African Union and EU Ambassador to the UN Economic Commission for Africa.

Earlier in her diplomatic career, she served as Denmark's ambassador to Burkina Faso, Niger, Chad and the Central African Republic, and as Director for Africa at Denmark's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. EU Special Representatives are appointed to promote the bloc's foreign policy objectives in selected countries, regions and thematic areas. They support diplomatic efforts aimed at advancing reforms, stability and the rule of law. The EU currently has 11 Special Representatives supporting the work of the High Representative.

Source: FSX Business News