By Asha Elmi - Reporter
Angola, November 25, 2025 — Djibouti's President Ismail Omar Guelleh has called for increased cooperation between Africa and Europe to effectively tackle the growing security challenges in the Red Sea – a vital global trade route linking Europe, Asia and Africa.
In his address at the 7th AU-EU Summit, which opened on Monday in Luanda, Guelleh expressed concern about the rising security threats in the Red Sea, including armed attacks on vessels, piracy in the Gulf of Aden, and regional instability.
The challenges, he noted, have disrupted international supply chains and negatively impacted the economies of both continents.
To address the threats, Guelleh called for a collective approach to security, emphasizing the need for closer coordination between the African Union and European Union.
He called for the extension of the mandate of "Operation EUNAVFOR ASPIDES" until 2026 and encouraged deeper cooperation with "Operation Atalante," integrating these efforts into a unified regional security framework.
Guelleh referred to the "Common Vision 2030" — the strategic roadmap adopted by both continents at the 6th AU-EU Summit in 2022 — as a foundation for the partnership.
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He stressed that, in a world marked by geopolitical fragmentation and ongoing crises, the vision provides a viable blueprint for renewed, multilateral cooperation between the two regions.
Guelleh also pointed to ongoing challenges in the Horn of Africa, including the war in Sudan, instability in South Sudan, and the influx of migrants into Djibouti.
He argued that addressing these challenges will also require strengthening the partnership between Africa and Europe, particularly through the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), which plays a crucial role in regional mediation, diplomacy, and integration.
The President reiterated Djibouti's commitment to fostering a modern, balanced, and anticipatory partnership with Europe, emphasizing that the success of this cooperation lies in aligning with regional priorities and enhancing diplomatic support in line with previous agreements between the EU and Djibouti.
Guelleh concluded by underscoring that a stronger EU-Africa partnership, built on mutual respect and shared goals, is essential for creating a stable and prosperous future for both regions.
