Johan Borgstam, the European Union Special Representative for the Great Lakes Region, has just concluded his inaugural visit to Addis Ababa, holding high-level discussions to bolster peace and security cooperation—a crucial element in celebrating the 25th anniversary of the EU-Africa partnership.
Borgstam met with key figures including African Union Commissioner for Political, Peace and Security Bankole Adoye; UN Special Representative for the Secretary-General to the African Union and Head of UNOAU Parfait Onanga-Anyanga; and ambassadors from Angola, DRC, Kenya, Rwanda, and South Africa. He also engaged with representatives from think tanks and other international partners.
The visit focused on understanding the African Union's role in addressing the Great Lakes crisis and reaffirming the EU's support for the Angolan presidency and Commissioner Adoye's efforts. Discussions centered on how the EU can best assist regional organizations in resolving the ongoing crisis in eastern DRC. Borgstam stressed the urgent need for a ceasefire and humanitarian aid, emphasizing the importance of continued dialogue among all parties. The EU highlighted the crucial role of regional political processes.
"At this urgent time, given the tragic situation in eastern DRC, we urge AU leadership and member states to work towards a ceasefire so both parties can return to the negotiating table," Borgstam stated. "The EU stands ready to support and assist."
Accompanied by EU Ambassador to the African Union Javier Niño Pérez, this Addis Ababa visit is part of a broader regional mission encompassing the DRC, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Burundi, following recent diplomatic engagements in Kampala and Nairobi.