European Union appoints Birgitte Markussen as Sahel Special Representative

The European Union Council has appointed Danish diplomat Birgitte Nygaard Markussen as the new Special Representative (EUSR) for the Sahel region. Her initial 12-month mandate is set to run from 1 September 2026 to 31 August 2027.

Markussen succeeds João Cravinho. In her new role, she will support the implementation of the EU’s renewed 2025 approach to the Sahel, focusing on promoting peace, security, stability, and sustainable development in Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania, and Niger.

The Special Representative is tasked with leading political dialogue with regional partners and coordinating the EU’s political, security, and development engagements. This involves working with local governments, the United Nations, the African Union, and other international organizations to address security, humanitarian, and governance challenges.

Markussen brings extensive experience in African affairs, having previously served as Denmark’s Special Envoy to the Sahel and Great Lakes, as well as holding senior positions within the European External Action Service (EEAS).