On December 27, 2024, Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty met with CEN-SAD Executive Secretary Ado Elhadji Abou in Chad to strengthen regional cooperation against terrorism and illegal migration. He emphasized the importance of CEN-SAD in enhancing security capacities and pledged technical support for its initiatives. Abdelatty also discussed trade and investment opportunities between Egypt and Chad during his visit.
On December 27, 2024, Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty reaffirmed the nation’s dedication to enhancing collaboration with the Community of Sahel-Saharan States (CEN-SAD). During his meeting with Ambassador Ado Elhadji Abou, the CEN-SAD Executive Secretary in Chad, Abdelatty called for increased regional cooperation to effectively tackle shared challenges such as terrorism, illegal migration, and the enhancement of security capabilities among member states.
Abdelatty underscored the need to activate CEN-SAD’s role, based in Cairo, emphasizing its critical function in fostering counterterrorism initiatives across the member nations. He highlighted the importance of unifying efforts to confront security threats in the region, particularly through youth rehabilitation programs and countering extremist ideologies. Minister Abdelatty also articulated Egypt’s preparedness to offer technical and logistical support to CEN-SAD.
The discussions were geared towards formulating a comprehensive plan for financial and administrative reforms, aimed at reinforcing CEN-SAD’s operational capabilities. This meeting coincided with Abdelatty’s diplomatic visit to N’Djamena, the capital of Chad, where he engaged in political dialogues with Minister Abderaman Koulamallah, focusing on enhancing trade relations and investment opportunities between Egypt and Chad.
Joining him on this visit was a delegation of prominent Egyptian business representatives, whom he consulted regarding potential collaborative projects in critical sectors such as infrastructure, energy, and agriculture. Additionally, he met with Aziz Mahamat Saleh, Minister of Infrastructure, and visited the Alexandria University branch located in Chad.
The Community of Sahel-Saharan States (CEN-SAD) aims to promote unity and cooperation among states in the Sahel and Sahara regions of Africa, addressing shared social, economic, and security challenges. In recent years, terrorism and illegal migration have escalated in these areas, requiring urgent collective action. Egypt has sought to strengthen its leadership role within this framework, particularly due to its strategic position and influence in regional affairs. Foreign Minister Abdelatty’s commitment reflects a broader policy of fostering collaboration and development in the African context.
Minister Badr Abdelatty’s meeting with CEN-SAD leadership marks a significant step in Egypt’s efforts to enhance cooperation within the Sahel-Saharan region. By focusing on shared challenges such as terrorism and illegal migration, and by emphasizing the role of youth in counteracting extremism, Egypt aims to strengthen collective regional security. The commitment to providing support for CEN-SAD’s operational enhancements further illustrates Egypt’s strategic initiative to play a pivotal role within Africa.
Original Source: www.egypttoday.com
