New European Union special representative takes up role as bloc seeks to strengthen peace, security and regional cooperation across the troubled Sahel
By Heapnews
The European Union has appointed Danish diplomat Birgitte Nygaard Markussen as its new special representative for the Sahel, tasking her with advancing the bloc’s renewed strategy for a region facing persistent security, humanitarian and governance challenges.
Markussen assumed her duties on Sept. 1 for an initial 12-month mandate ending on Aug. 31, 2027, the European Council said.
She succeeds João Cravinho, who had served as the EU Special Representative for the Sahel since November 2024.
Markussen will support the EU’s foreign policy chief in implementing the bloc’s renewed approach to the Sahel, with a focus on promoting peace, security, stability and sustainable development across Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Niger.
Her role will include leading political dialogue with partners in the region and helping coordinate the EU’s political, security and development engagement.
The EU said its special representative would work closely with Sahel governments, neighbouring countries, regional organisations, the United Nations, the African Union and other international partners to support conflict prevention and resolution and strengthen regional cooperation.
Markussen brings extensive experience in African affairs and European external relations to the role.
She currently serves as Denmark’s special envoy to the Sahel and Great Lakes region and previously held senior positions at the European External Action Service, including as head of the EU Delegation to the African Union and EU ambassador to the U.N. Economic Commission for Africa.
She has also served as Denmark’s ambassador to Burkina Faso, Niger, Chad and the Central African Republic, as well as director for Africa at Denmark’s foreign ministry.
EU special representatives are appointed to promote the bloc’s policies and interests in regions and countries of strategic importance, often supporting efforts to strengthen stability, reforms and the rule of law.
Markussen becomes one of 11 EU special representatives supporting the work of the bloc’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas.