Denmark has announced the closure of its embassies in Mali and Burkina Faso citing the “severely limited scope for action in the Sahel region” due to recent military coups in both countries.
In place of these embassies, Denmark plans to establish new diplomatic missions in Senegal, Rwanda, and Tunisia, while also strengthening its embassies in Egypt, Kenya, South Africa, Nigeria, and Ghana.
Denmark will deploy a special representative for the African Great Lakes and Sahel region. This move is part of Denmark’s and the European Union’s plan to position themselves as Africa’s “preferred partner” during a time of geopolitical shifts, according to Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen.
“We have a vested interest in ensuring that African nations align themselves with Europe as they navigate their futures,” Rasmussen stated as they strive to counter Russia and China influence on the continent.
Denmark’s move will prioritize boosting trade and initiating water-related projects across Africa.
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The country is expected to commit up to a billion kroner (approximately $150 million) for bilateral water initiatives, with 425 million kroner allocated for 2025 alone.
This comes as Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger form a new confederation and exit the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), accusing the bloc of being under the influence of former colonial power France.
Niger’s leader, Abdourahamane Tchiani, has advocated for the new alliance to become a “community independent from foreign powers.”
