The Sahel and Sahara Group's executive council, comprising foreign ministers from member states, convened in Tripoli and decided to relocate the executive secretariat from Njamena, Chad, back to Tripoli. This move comes 15 years after the secretariat was transferred to Njamena following the Libyan revolution. The decision was made during the 22nd ordinary session of the executive council.
The council agreed to appoint an interim executive secretary for a four-month term, who will be based in Tripoli. This temporary arrangement will be in place until the next summit in 2027 in Njamena, Chad, where a new executive secretary and deputy executive secretary are expected to be chosen. Libya is set to host the subsequent summit in 2028.
The closing document, signed by Chadian Foreign Minister and executive council head Ahmed Koukouri and Libyan Foreign Minister Taher Ba'our, emphasized the importance of enhancing coordination and cooperation among member states. The document highlighted the need to tackle security challenges, including terrorism, organized crime, and irregular migration, while promoting development and economic integration.
The document also called for exploring ways to improve the group's mechanisms, activate its institutions and programs, and strengthen political consultation and position coordination on regional and continental issues. This aims to enhance the group's ability to support security, stability, and the aspirations of its member states.
Mauritania participated in the meeting, with its Foreign Ministry's secretary general, Daman Hamr, urging the group to strengthen its role in promoting cooperation and coordination among member states. He emphasized the need to support efforts to achieve security, stability, and sustainable development in the region.
The Sahel and Sahara Group was established in Libya on February 4, 1998, by Libya, Mali, Niger, Sudan, Chad, and Burkina Faso. Mauritania joined the group in 2008, and it currently comprises 28 African countries, with observer status at the United Nations.
The group's decision to relocate its executive secretariat to Tripoli reflects its commitment to promoting regional cooperation and stability. The move is expected to enhance the group's effectiveness in addressing the security and development challenges facing its member states.
Key points
- The Sahel and Sahara Group's executive council has decided to relocate its executive secretariat from Njamena, Chad, back to Tripoli.
- The group agreed to appoint an interim executive secretary for a four-month term, based in Tripoli, until the next summit in 2027.
- The group's closing document emphasized the need to enhance coordination and cooperation among member states to tackle security challenges and promote development.
