EU to supply drones to Mauritania, Chad

The European Union has announced plans to bolster the operational capabilities of the Mauritanian and Chadian armies by providing advanced drone systems for reconnaissance and surveillance. This initiative aims to enhance the two African countries’ capacity to address regional security challenges effectively.

According to a report by Africa Intelligence, Expertise France, the operational arm of the French Development Agency (AFD), has issued a call for proposals to supply the Mauritanian military with two state-of-the-art surveillance drone systems. Additionally, a similar system will be provided to the Chadian armed forces as part of the same initiative.

This support will be funded through a significant aid package originally allocated seven years ago for the G5 Sahel countries. However, the funds were frozen due to various challenges in the region. Following recent geopolitical shifts, including the withdrawal of Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali from the G5 Sahel organization, the aid has been redirected to Mauritania and Chad.

Valued at approximately 40 million euros, the funding is earmarked for the procurement of advanced military equipment. These resources are intended to strengthen the defense capabilities of both the Mauritanian and Chadian armies, enabling them to address cross-border threats and maintain regional stability.

The provision of drones is expected to significantly improve the Mauritanian army’s ability to monitor vast, remote areas prone to militant activity. For Chad, the advanced surveillance technology will enhance its role as a key security player in the Sahel, especially as instability persists in neighboring regions.

This initiative underscores the European Union’s commitment to supporting the security architecture of Sahel countries amidst evolving regional dynamics, aiming to promote peace and stability in the region.