EU envoy criticises African leaders' reluctance to address human rights issues: Video

Speaking during an interaction with Global South, Del Re emphasised the need for a shift in global discourse to prioritise human rights as universal values.

“I find that to render human rights a priority again at the global level, we need to change our narrative,” she stated. “Many countries often tell me, ‘Don’t talk about human rights with African countries - they don’t like it.’ I find this approach very racist and unhelpful. I will always do the contrary.”

Del Re’s remarks come against the backdrop of increasing instability in the Sahel region. Countries like Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger - recently plagued by military coups - are grappling with security crises. According to the Global Terrorism Index, these nations rank among the ten most terrorism-affected globally, with vast territories under the control of insurgents rather than central governments.

The European Union has pledged €300 billion under its Global Gateway initiative for sustainable and high-quality development projects from 2021 to 2027. Half of this funding is allocated to Africa, with a strong focus on sub-Saharan Africa and the Sahel region.

This investment aims to tackle pressing issues such as governance, infrastructure, and socio-economic development. However, Del Re’s comments highlight a critical gap in the dialogue: ensuring that human rights remain integral to these efforts.

Del Re urged global actors to reinforce human rights as essential and beneficial for all societies, particularly in regions facing systemic instability. “Human rights should be seen as profitable and something from which people can benefit,” she said.