'Africa strategy': Denmark to open embassies in Senegal, Tunisia and Rwanda

Denmark on Monday (August 26) announced plans to establish new embassies in Senegal, Tunisia, and Rwanda, as well as to enhance its diplomatic presence in other African nations.

The foreign ministry says that these new embassies are part of a broader “Africa strategy.”

"In addition, the government will, among other things, increase the diplomatic muscle power at the embassies in Egypt, Kenya, South Africa, Nigeria and Ghana," the statement said.

Earlier this month, Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen hinted at this strategy during the Moderate party's summer conference. He also mentioned that the plan includes initiatives to attract more African students to Denmark.

"We have a clear interest in the African countries looking towards us in Europe when they have to chart the course for their future. We must show that we can offer an attractive alternative to the increasing Chinese and Russian influence on the continent. We must do this, among other things, by investing more in Africa and doing more business with African companies, just as we must cultivate mutual understanding and, among other things, work to ensure that more young Africans can come to study in Denmark," said Rasmussen.

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While the embassies in Senegal and Tunisia will be entirely new, the Rwandan embassy will be an extension of an existing Danish office in the country.

Denmark is also set to upgrade its embassies in South Africa, Kenya, Egypt, and Nigeria, transforming them into regional hubs to improve diplomatic efforts across larger areas of Africa.

Denmark to close embassies in Mali and Burkina Faso

Additionally, Denmark has decided to close its embassies in Mali and Burkina Faso due to the limited scope for diplomatic action following recent military coups in the Sahel region. Alongside these changes, a special representative will be appointed to oversee matters in the African Great Lakes and Sahel region.

(With inputs from agencies)