IFRD Welcomes European Parliament’s Call for a Renewed AU–EU Partnership
Brussels, 24 October 2025 — The International Federation for Rights and Development (IFRD) welcomes the European Parliament’s resolution of 23 October on renewing the EU–Africa partnership ahead of next month’s Luanda Summit. The resolution marks a critical step toward building a relationship of genuine equality, co-ownership, and justice between the two continents.
The adopted text acknowledges the 25th anniversary of the Africa–EU strategic partnership and calls for the next summit to mark a decisive shift toward a partnership founded on mutual respect, shared values, and tangible commitments. It highlights the role of civil society, youth, and parliaments in shaping the future framework of cooperation through the Samoa Agreement and the Africa–EU Regional Protocol.
IFRD strongly welcomes the resolution’s clear recognition of human rights crises across Africa, particularly the ongoing conflicts in Sudan and Libya. The Parliament condemned the widespread human rights violations in Sudan—where mass civilian casualties, forced displacement, and sexual violence as a weapon of war continue—and urged full accountability and unrestricted humanitarian access. It also raised deep concerns over the instability in Libya, calling for renewed EU and UN engagement to restore legitimate governance, end foreign interference, and facilitate transparent elections.
The resolution further stresses that all EU engagement in conflict-affected or transitional contexts must promote democracy, accountability, and African ownership, aligning with African Union-led frameworks on reconciliation, peace, and transitional justice.
“The future with Africa begins with decolonisation—of mindsets, structures, and economic relations—and must rest on mutual respect, justice, and equality,” said an IFRD spokesperson. “This resolution is a necessary acknowledgment that human rights must stand at the centre of political and economic cooperation between our continents.”
IFRD calls on decision-makers across both continents to turn parliamentary commitments into measurable outcomes through inclusive implementation and transparent mechanisms.
IFRD urges:
European Commission and EEAS: Ensure that Global Gateway investments align with human rights standards and prioritize conflict-affected regions such as Sudan and Libya.
European Parliament and Pan-African Parliament: Institutionalise annual oversight hearings to guarantee human-rights accountability in AU–EU cooperation.
EU Member States: Support regional peace efforts and allocate predictable funding for AU-led peace operations under UNSC Resolution 2719 (2023).
African Union and European Union: Mainstream human rights, gender equality, and civil society participation as conditions for all partnership initiatives.
This resolution offers a framework for a rebalanced, human-centered partnership—but it must be matched by political will and a commitment to address historic and structural inequalities through justice and accountability.
Contact: info@ifrd.be | www.IFRD.be
