Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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336. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will outline the ongoing work by Ireland and the EU to bring about stability in the Sahel region of Africa; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57905/22]

Colm Brophy (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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In line with commitments in our Africa Strategy and our international development policy, A Better World, Ireland has significantly stepped up engagement in supporting efforts to bring about stability in the Sahel in recent years. In 2023, Ireland will open a new Embassy in Senegal which will provide an opportunity for further engagement in the region, including deepening the Irish Aid programme in the Sahel. Ireland supports the EU’s prioritisation in the Sahel through the implementation of the EU’s Sahel Strategy and the mobilisation of all the EU’s instruments in the region. In addition to support for our multilateral partners, between 2016 and 2021, Ireland provided bilateral funding amounting to over €40 million to partners in the Sahel with a focus on humanitarian assistance, education, health and food security

Between 2019 and 2022, Ireland contributed to stabilisation efforts in Mali through the deployment of members of the Defence Forces with the UN Peacekeeping Mission in Mali (MINUSMA). There are currently 14 members of the Defence Forces deployed with the EU Training Mission in Mali. As and elected member of the UN Security Council, we have played an active role on the Sahel including on files related to Mali/MINUSMA and the G5 Sahel Joint Force, and as co-penholders on the Security Council file for the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS).

We believe that stability in the Sahel depends on action to address the root causes of conflict, migration and poverty, as well as tackling the threat posed by armed groups. We consistently emphasise the need to strengthen governance and human rights and the protection of civilians.