Europe and Africa already had more than enough in their in-tray going into their first Brussels summit in nearly eight years. Now you can add coup contagion and the pullout of French-led anti-terror forces from Mali. The day began in Paris for key players in the Sahel. Will the crisis overshadow the EU-African Union summit?
How much are insecurity and weak institutions on the continent a problem for all? Europeans insist they are trying to make it about more than just visas and stopping migrants from crossing the Mediterranean.
Regarding the rules of engagement for security, development and trade, how is Europe faring in the face of competition from the likes of China, Turkey and more? With millions of dual nationals who are both African and EU citizens, the stakes go well beyond one region and one issue.
Produced by Charles Wente, Juliette Laurain and Léopoldine Iribarren.
