European Union Council of Ministers appoints Birgitte Markussen as new Special Representative for the Sahel

Birgitte Nygaard Markussen has been appointed as the new European Union Special Representative for the Sahel region, starting her duties on September 1, 2026, for an initial mandate of 12 months. She succeeds João Cravinho and will work on implementing the EU's renewed approach to the Sahel, supporting peace, security, and sustainable development in countries such as Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania, and Niger. A Danish diplomat, she has extensive experience in African affairs and EU external relations.