#SAEURelations | Participants at the inaugural South Africa – EU Peace, Security and Defence Dialogue (PSDD) co-chaired by Amb. Xolisa Mabhongo & Mr Cosmin Dobran, Acting Managing Director: Peace, Security and Defence at European External Action Service (EEAS), at DIRCO 8/10/2026

Statement by HR/VP @kajakallas on Ethiopia and regional implications. Respect for international humanitarian law is imperative. Civilians need to be protected at all times, and unhindered humanitarian access must be ensured. Read more: link.europa.eu/mrkKqg

We’re all set to kick off our Europe engagement with the launch of our flagship report in Brussels, organised in partnership with the European Centre for Development Policy Management (@ECDPM). Join us live at 4:00pm CEST (2:00pm GMT): bit.ly/4hwvhHO The discussions will bring African citizens’ perspectives into global conversations on trade, migration, regional integration, and Africa’s place in a changing global order. Follow us for updates from Brussels as we take our latest report to audiences across six capitals in Europe. Download our flagship report: bit.ly/4xpcJPW #VoicesAfrica #AfricanInsights2026

The first time our two platforms - Quintet and Quad - came together at #UNGA81. Joining hands and coordinating our efforts on and for Sudan🇸🇩 much closer is our committment and signal from New York today.

On the margins of #UNGA81, I received H.E. Dr Annette Weber, EU Special Representative for the Horn of Africa, at the IGAD offices in New York. We discussed the evolving peace and security situation in our region and the need to continue working together to de-escalate tensions and advance dialogue.

The full implementation of the 2025 peace agreement between #DRC and #Rwanda is key to stop the fighting in Eastern DRC - my main message today to FM @Onduhungirehe 🇷🇼 together with EUSR @JBorgstam. It is in our interest to further build the partnership between the EU and Rwanda.

6th round of political consultations with @francescaDM_EU, Deputy MD, Africa Directorate, European External Action Service, in Bern. Our exchange included a wide range of topics and reaffirmed the shared commitment of 🇨🇭 and 🇪🇺 to a peaceful, resilient and prosperous Africa.

Speaking at the 21st Extraordinary African Union (AU) Summit on conflict prevention & resolution in Luanda this morning, the Chairperson of the AU Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf called for urgent reform of Africa’s peace & security architecture. He @ymahmoudali observed that from Sudan & eastern DRC to Somalia, the Sahel, Libya, northern Mozambique & Madagascar, persistent crises and emerging threats, including terrorism, violent extremism, piracy, transnational crime & the mistreatment of migrants, demand stronger collective action. "Prevention must become our priority. We need a strengthened continental early-warning system, more effective implementation of AU decisions, sustainable financing for peace operations and a fully operational Peace Fund", he said. Chairperson Youssouf added that partnerships, including with the United Nations, must reflect Africa’s realities and expectations. The implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2719 is a legitimate and urgent call. He also emphasised  that AU's Regional Economic Communities & Regional Mechanisms remain central to preventive diplomacy. Continuous consultation among the PSC, the Commission, Member States and regional bodies is essential. He further underscored that no single country can confront these threats alone. Solidarity, pooled resources and greater Pan-African sovereignty in peace and security are imperative, he added. On unconstitutional changes of government, he said that the AU position remains clear: "firmness in defending AU norms, alongside dialogue and support." In conclusion, H.E. Mr. Youssouf said that this is a long-term undertaking requiring unwavering political, underscoring  that the Summit be a Summit of choices; choices that strengthen Africa’s capacity to take collective ownership of its peace & security. Convened under the leadership of H.E João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, President of the Republic of Angola, & AU Champion for Peace & Reconciliation in Africa, & chaired by H.E. Évariste Ndayishimiye, President of the Republic of Burundi, the Chairperson of the African Union.  The Summit will provide an opportunity for Heads of State & Government to undertake a strategic assessment of the effectiveness of existing continental mechanisms for conflict prevention and resolution. Read Full Speech @ au.int/en/speeches/20260830/… @jlprdeangola @GeneralNeva.

The threat by the Houthis to international shipping in the Red Sea persists. Operation @EUNAVFORASPIDES is protecting lives, trade and stability. But ships cannot secure sea lanes without reliable partners on shore, like Djibouti. The Status of Forces Agreement we have just signed marks a major step forward in relations between the European Union and Djibouti. This agreement will ensure the EU continues to play an important role in helping to secure key maritime routes in the Red Sea. My remarks upon signature ↓

@EU_in_Somalia teamed up with @UNTMIS_ @UKinSomalia, @US2SOMALIA and @TC_MogadisuBE on Thursday to facilitate discussions around electoral model between representatives from FGS and opposition groups. We were encouraged by the resumption of dialogue.

President @HassanSMohamud bade farewell to Francesca Di Mauro, Ambassador of the European Union to Somalia, whose tour of duty had come to an end. President commended Ambassador Di Mauro for her dedicated service and invaluable contribution to strengthening the longstanding partnership and collaboration between Somalia and the European Union. He wished her continued success in her future endeavors. 🇸🇴🤝🇪🇺

FM H.E. Abdisalam Abdi Ali received EU Ambassador Francesca Di Mauro on a farewell courtesy call, commended her service, congratulated her on her appointment as Director for Africa at the EEAS, and reaffirmed Somalia’s strong partnership with the EU. @EU_in_Somalia