277. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she envisages Ireland, during its European Union Presidency, being able to ensure that the EU awards higher priority to its efforts to address the multiplicity of conflicts and disadvantage impacting the Sahel region; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40190/26]

We are very concerned about the deteriorating security situation and the humanitarian crisis in the Sahel region of West Africa. The situation remains unstable. Since 2020, there has been a series of military coups across the region, which is now estimated to account for over half of all global terrorism deaths. The UN estimates that over 24 million people across the Sahel will require humanitarian aid in 2026.

Ireland has been responding, providing over €61 million in development and humanitarian assistance across the region between 2021 and 2025. This includes a total of some €17.8 million in 2025.

Last year, the EU provided over €541 million in humanitarian, development and peace assistance to respond to the needs of displaced populations and others directly affected by the insecurity across the region.

At EU level, Ireland has actively supported the renewed approach to the Sahel adopted by the Foreign Affairs Council in November 2025. It focuses on political and diplomatic engagement; human security; and social cohesion, economic opportunities and people-to-people ties. The approach has been led by the EU Special Representative for the Sahel, João Cravinho, whom I met with when he visited Ireland for consultations earlier this month. Ireland has been calling for a long-term EU approach to the region, with investment in human capital and essential service delivery central to addressing the root causes of violence, instability, and migration.

I have discussed with the EU Special Representative how Ireland can play a role in support of the renewed approach during our EU Presidency. During our EU Presidency, we will work to advance the renewed approach to the Sahel. We will continue to emphasise the importance of development cooperation as an essential investment in building resilience and humanitarian assistance to respond to the needs of displaced populations and those affected by the insecurity in the region.

We have stepped up our engagement in the Sahel in recent years, not least with the opening of a new Embassy in Senegal in 2023. Ireland’s work there includes support for food security, climate action, the empowerment of women and youth, and civil society. Our approach recognises the importance of improving livelihoods, with a particular focus on the needs of women and young people.