Jutta Urpilai has been tipped as a presidential candidate for next spring’s elections. He hasn’t made a decision yet.
The EU supports the actions of the West African economic community Ecowas against the military junta that seized power in Niger, says the EU commissioner Jutta Urpilainen in the 8 minutes program.
Ecowas pressures the military junta financially so that the elected president Mohamed Bazoum would be returned to power.
– Niger is one of the EU’s most important partners in the Sahel region. The EU has wanted to support Bazoum and especially his goal of educating the citizens of his own country, says Urpilainen.
Urpilainen’s goal as commissioner is to seek equal cooperation with African countries. The EU is committed to a 150 billion euro investment program to try to get European companies to invest in Africa.
– The EU is seen as an actor that wants to create local added value. Of course we need critical raw materials from Africa, but at the same time we want to develop local societies.
Niger has the seventh largest uranium reserves in the world, which makes it an important partner in the eyes of Russia as well. President Vladimir Putin has hosted the summits of Russia and African countries since 2019.
At this year’s meeting, Putin said that Russia is ready to supply dozens of tons of grain to several African countries.
Russia had previously withdrawn from the Black Sea grain transport agreement, which has been important for the food supply of African countries.
According to Urpilainen, it is striking that only 17 heads of state from around 50 African countries participated in the meeting.
– African heads of state and leaders are critical of Russia’s attack and at the same time try not to take a stand for either side.
According to Urpilainen, Russia is not getting more support from Africa, because the EU is still the largest investor, trading partner and provider of development aid in Africa.
– Putin decided to end the Black Sea grain agreement and at the same time donate free grain to six African countries. Yes, everyone knows how to set it to the right proportions.
Urpilai has been speculated as SDP’s possible candidate in the 2024 presidential election. He has previously said he would consider the matter.
– I haven’t made a final decision yet, he states.
Watch the full 8 minutes in Areena.
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