Birgitte Marcussen appointed as the European Union's special envoy for the Sahel region
Written by: Mohamed Ragab
The Council of the European Union has officially announced the appointment of veteran Danish diplomat Birgitte Nygaard Markussen as the EU's new special envoy for the Sahel region of Africa.
Marcusen is scheduled to take up her new post on September 1, succeeding former Portuguese minister Joao Gomes Cravinho.
Her initial mandate extends for a crucial twelve-month period, during which the region is witnessing rapid geopolitical and security transformations that require a flexible diplomatic vision.
Scope of responsibilities and objectives of the new envoy
The new European envoy's primary task is to lead an inclusive political dialogue between Brussels and the countries of the Sahel region.
The list of countries directly concerned includes Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Chad and Mauritania, as well as neighboring countries affected by border dynamics.
Markussen will work to coordinate diplomatic, security and development efforts to reduce conflicts, promote regional stability and support economic development in the face of growing challenges.
This step comes within the framework of implementing the modern European strategy adopted in late 2025. This policy sets new priorities based on human security, addressing the root causes of illegal immigration, and combating organized crime networks, while allowing for flexible cooperation tailored to suit the political circumstances of each country individually, especially in light of the recent changes in the presidencies of the countries in the region.
Extensive African experience and a distinguished diplomatic record
The new envoy draws on deep and extensive experience in African continent issues.
She served as Denmark’s Special Representative for the Sahel and Great Lakes region, and previously headed the European Union delegation to the African Union in Addis Ababa between 2020 and 2023.
Markussen also possesses extensive field experience thanks to her work as her country's ambassador to Burkina Faso, Niger, Chad and the Central African Republic, which enables her to understand the dimensions of regional crises.
Markussen’s term began at a time of comprehensive restructuring of the European presence in the region; the military mission in Mali was closed, while the civilian mission “EUCAP Sahel Mali” continued to provide training and institutional support to the internal security forces.
The envoy will be responsible for keeping lines of communication open with the Gulf of Guinea countries to counter the spread of threats from armed groups, and to ensure a balance between European security interests and the freedom of movement of individuals.
Markussen will report directly to the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, to ensure the continuity of the new directions and to coordinate joint diplomatic action to address the humanitarian crises, forced displacement and climate change plaguing the region.
