French foreign minister tackles Sudan crisis and UN reform on Africa trip

RFI

27 November 2024 at 5:03 am·1-min read

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot is heading to Chad and Ethiopia to address the Sudan refugee crisis, discuss military strategy and advocate for African representation at the United Nations.

France's new foreign minister began his first trip to sub-Saharan Africa on Wednesday, focusing on the humanitarian crisis in Sudan and the future of French military presence in the region.

Jean-Noël Barrot's visit to Chad and Ethiopia comes as France is expected to announce significant reductions in its military presence across the continent in the coming months.

During his visit to Adré, a town close to Chad's eastern border with Sudan, Barrot aims to reaffirm France's commitment to its humanitarian promises. "France is keeping its commitments," a source close to the minister told RFI.

The Sudan crisis remains a key priority for French diplomacy. France led international humanitarian efforts in April when it hosted a donor conference that secured pledges worth 2 billion euros.

However, the situation has deteriorated since then, with the UN now describing it as the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

While no formal announcements are expected during the trip, the discussions are likely to shape France’s long-term strategy in the region.

France supports the AU's campaign for better representation at the UN, backing proposals for two permanent African seats on the UN Security Council.

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