Africa-Press – Kenya. THE European Union Special Representative (EUSR) for the Great Lakes Region Johan Borgstam, is currently visiting Tanzania, following his visits to several other countries including Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Rwanda, Angola, Kenya and Uganda.
According to a statement from the EU Delegation in Tanzania, his visit is to engage in high-level discussions on regional issues and reaffirm the European Union’s commitment to promoting peace, stability and security in the Great Lakes region.
During his visit, Mr Borgstam is scheduled to meet with key Tanzanian officials, including the Minister for Defence and National Service, Dr Stergomena Tax, and the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Mr Cosato Chumi.
He will also engage with members of the diplomatic community, academia and representatives from civil society. These discussions are intended to emphasise Tanzania’s crucial role in the Great Lakes region and the importance of regional cooperation for addressing ongoing challenges.
The visit underscores the EU’s dedication to supporting peace and security in the region through the EU Great Lakes Strategy.
Mr Borgstam’s work as the EU Special Representative focuses on regional integration, with attention to economic, political and peace and security aspects in East and Southern Africa.
Elaborating, Mr Borgstam expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to directly engage with stakeholders in Tanzania.
He emphasised Tanzania’s vital contribution to addressing the security and humanitarian crises in the region, particularly in conflict areas such as the eastern DRC.
He also noted the constructive nature of the discussions and expressed his hope for continued collaboration between the EU and Tanzania to enhance regional peace and stability.
EU Ambassador to Tanzania, Christine Grau, reiterated the long-standing partnership between the European Union and Tanzania. She highlighted the EU’s ongoing commitment to supporting dialogue and peaceful solutions for the Great Lakes region.
Grau noted that Mr Borgstam’s visit is another important step in addressing the challenges facing the region and strengthening the EU’s relationship with Tanzania. This visit marks Mr Borgstam’s first to Tanzania since he assumed his role as EUSR in September 2024.
His mandate focuses on supporting regional mediation efforts, particularly in relation to the Luanda and Nairobi processes, which aim to bring peace to conflict areas.
Additionally, Mr Borgstam is working to foster stronger partnerships with all the countries in the Great Lakes region to enhance both prosperity and security.
Mr Borgstam’s mission also aligns with the renewed EU Great Lakes Strategy, which aims to support peace, stability, and security in the region.
The strategy priorities deescalating tensions and promoting dialogue to find long-term solutions to crises, particularly in Eastern DRC.
Another key objective of the strategy is to transform the root causes of insecurity into shared opportunities, unlocking the region’s full potential.
In addition, the EU aims to strengthen regional integration as a stabilising factor that can drive future prosperity for both the region and the wider African continent.
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