European Union Special Representative Johan Borgstam will visit Tanzania from 16 to 18 January as part of ongoing regional engagements. It follows his previous trips to Burundi, the DRC, Rwanda, Angola, Kenya, and Uganda.
During his visit, he will meet with the Minister of Defence, H.E. Stergomena Lawrence Tax, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Cosato David Chumi, and key figures from the diplomatic community, academia, and civil society.
“Tanzania plays a vital role in addressing the security and humanitarian crisis that is unfolding in parts of the Great Lakes region, and I appreciate the positive and constructive nature of our discussions. I look forward to continued collaboration between the European Union and Tanzania to promote regional peace, stability, and security,” Borgstam stated.
The visit aims to discuss Tanzania’s role in the Great Lakes region and reaffirm the EU’s commitment to peace and stability through its Great Lakes Strategy. EUSR Borgstam will focus on regional integration and supporting mediation efforts, including the Luanda and Nairobi processes.
Since his appointment in September 2024, Borgstam’s mission has been to implement the renewed EU Great Lakes Strategy, which aims to promote peace and security, address the root causes of instability, and foster regional integration to drive future prosperity in the region.
EU Ambassador to Tanzania, H.E. Christine Grau, emphasised the European Union’s and Tanzania’s strong partnership. She stated, “The European Union remains committed to supporting dialogue in the region and long-term regional and peaceful solutions for the Great Lakes region. The visit of the EU Special Representative for the Great Lakes marks another step in our shared commitment to addressing the current challenges facing the region,” she said.
