The European Union plans to step up cooperation with the Sahel countries in the quest for security, stability and development in the region.

A statement by the bloc attributed to Josep Borrell, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, said the bloc will also hold discussions with the Sahel countries' leaders on the sidelines of the March 2020 European Council to seek ways of strengthening this fight.

"Today the Council decided that we would step up our strategic cooperation with the Sahel countries. Clearly we have to do more, and we will be talking about that in March in the margins of the next European Council." the statement said.

The Sahel region has seen an increase in indiscriminate attacks targeting both local and foreign troops.

Earlier this month, French President Emmanuel Macron held a summit with the Sahel leaders to re-strategize the fight against militancy in the region.

The meeting came after both local and international criticism sparked by the killing of 13 French soldiers in a helicopter collision.

France has some 4,500 troops in the Sahel region. While their presence has had notable gains, terror groups continue to stage attacks.

"The Council expressed support for renewing and scaling up the existing Sahel Strategy with a view to increasing the impact of EU's action in support of security, stability and development. Ministers emphasized the importance of an integrated approach ensuring maximum synergies between the different actors involved and resources deployed, as well as ensuring ownership of the G5 Sahel countries." the EU statement said.

Source(s): European Union