Further strengthening and expanding dialogue and cooperation with our African partners remains an important goal for this Federal Government – not despite, but precisely because of, the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. Because it has repercussions far beyond Europe. Germany is broadly engaged in both Tanzania and South Sudan as a partner for security, democracy-building and development.
We want to continue to support South Sudan in implementing the 2018 peace agreement. During my talks, I will be voicing our expectation that the process of transition be completed rapidly. German engagement remains necessary particularly in view of the difficult humanitarian conditions and the human rights situation in the country.
We have maintained close cooperation with Tanzania for sixty years already. We want to build on this foundation and together tackle major issues defining the future. However, a true partnership also includes an acknowledgement of our historical responsibility and a reckoning with the crimes committed by Germans during the colonial era. To this end, we will take further concrete steps with the National Museum of Tanzania as part of our museum cooperation.
Background information:
The Minister of State at the Federal Foreign Office, Katja Keul, is visiting Tanzania and South Sudan from 9 to 14 April. Political talks with high-level government members as well as opposition and civil-society representatives are planned in both countries. In Dar es Salaam, the focus will be on strengthening bilateral relations, as well as on democracy and human rights and regional security issues. Another priority will be to tackle the German colonial history. In Juba, talks will concentrate on the implementation of the peace process and the human rights situation, particularly the protection of women and girls against conflict-related sexual violence. In this context, the Minister of State will be meeting the Head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), members of the German contingent, and others. - Federal Foreign Office, Germany
