Egypt, Germany tackle terrorism and regional conflicts in Africa

Cairo hosted a pivotal round of Egyptian-German talks on African affairs on Monday, focusing on critical issues such as the crises in Sudan, the Horn of Africa, the Sahel, counterterrorism efforts, and the Nile water dispute.

The discussions were co-chaired by Ehab Awad, Assistant to the Egyptian Foreign Minister for African Affairs, and Christoph Retzlaff, Director for Sub-Saharan Africa and the Sahel at the German Federal Foreign Office.

The meeting addressed the growing threat of terrorism in Africa, particularly in the Sahel region, where extremist groups have expanded their operations into West African countries. 

Nations like Benin, Togo, and Burkina Faso are facing increasing insecurity, with reports indicating that 60% of Burkina Faso’s territory is now outside the control of its national army. Both sides expressed the urgent need for coordinated international action to combat this threat effectively.

Another pressing topic was the ongoing conflict in the DRC, where M23 rebels, allegedly backed by Rwanda, have seized the strategic city of Goma. 

The Egyptian delegation expressed deep concern over the escalating violence and its potential to destabilize the wider region. Both Egypt and Germany reiterated their commitment to supporting peace efforts and facilitating dialogue to resolve the crisis.

The discussions also focused on peacebuilding initiatives and post-conflict reconstruction, emphasizing the need for sustainable development to address the root causes of instability. Egypt highlighted its ongoing efforts to promote stability across the continent through developmental projects and regional partnerships.

Egypt, as a key player in African diplomacy, reaffirmed its commitment to peace and security on the continent. It underscored the importance of tackling terrorism at its roots by addressing socio-economic challenges and fostering resilience among vulnerable communities.

The talks also touched on the Nile water dispute, a topic of strategic importance to Egypt, as it seeks to ensure fair and equitable use of the river’s resources amid regional tensions.

The Egyptian-German talks marked a significant step in strengthening international cooperation on African crises. Both nations agreed on the necessity of coordinated action to tackle terrorism, resolve conflicts, and promote sustainable development across the continent.

These discussions reflect a shared commitment to ensuring stability, fostering growth, and addressing the pressing challenges faced by African nations in an increasingly interconnected world.