Following the 6th European Union (EU) – African Union (AU) Summit in February 2022, leaders from both continents renewed their commitment to sustain a security partnership based on the principle of African solutions to African problems," and this was "reflected in the EU Memorandum of Understanding on Peace, Security, and Governance. The objectives of EU-Africa security partnerships include peacekeeping, conflict prevention, strengthening international security, supporting the rule of law, prevention of human trafficking and piracy, contributing to maritime security, providing military equipment and security infrastructure to EU partners."
Since the 2022 EU-AU summit, there has been an escalation of democratic erosion in Africa, with more coups happening in the Sahel region of West Africa. The increasing influence of populist parties has also impacted the quality of democracy in some EU member states.
The process of democratic erosion in Africa and, to an extent, in Europe could impact EU-Africa partnerships, particularly on security. During this STG Talk, participants will reflect on questions such as: what does democratic erosion mean for EU-Africa security partnerships? Is the EU equipped with the policy instruments to respond, in ways consistent with the EU's values, to democratic erosion within its security partnership with African institutions and states? Is the EU and its member states trapped in a political quagmire in its security partnership with African regional organisations and states? In what ways should the EU and its member states respond to the rise of illiberal actors within Africa's security governance space?
Speakers:
The event will be held in a hybrid setting. When registering, indicate if you wish to attend the event in person or online. Zoom link will be provided after registration.