EU approves further 143 million euros aid to Sub‑Saharan Africa after squandering 11 billion

Brussels – A new 143 million euro humanitarian aid package for Sub-Saharan African countries: the European Commission is continuing its efforts to support the region, with commitments for each of the states concerned. The EU executive, therefore, announces aid of EUR 2,5 million for the Central African Republic, EUR 8 million for Nigeria, EUR 30 million for Ethiopia, EUR 30 million for Somalia, and EUR 35 million for South Sudan. In addition, there is EUR 38 million for the countries of the Sahel region (Burkina Faso, Chad, Eritrea, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Senegal, and Sudan).

 “This funding shows that we stay engaged in the places where pressure is rising and support is essential,” emphasises Hadja Lahbib, Commissioner for Crisis Management. An emphasis meant to highlight the positive nature of the twelve‑star action, though criticized by the European Court of Auditors precisely over the aid provided to sub‑Saharan Africa in recent years. 

Between 2014 and 2020, the European Commission committed over EUR 11 billion to fight hunger in Sub-Saharan Africa, where, despite these efforts, “the situation does not show significant improvement over time,” the Luxembourg auditors complain in a special report. So far, the Commission has given money without criteria, with little attention, and with poor, ineffective strategies. 

The European Court of Auditors said that in its disbursement of funds, “the Commission lacked a clear and documented methodology for prioritising the neediest regions and communities, which has constrained the effectiveness of interventions.” Moreover, the long-term impact of EU support was also affected by “deficiencies in project design, insufficient monitoring, and difficulties in addressing the root causes of food insecurity.” 

In short, EU humanitarian aid in Sub-Saharan Africa is a waste of resources. A week after the auditors’ complaint, the Commission announced a new EUR 143 million package. The hope is that this time it will be well spent.