The EU Special Representative for the Sahel Emanuela Del Re says that without stability in Libya, there will be no stability in the Sahel region.

The EU official made her comments at a meeting in Rome with Admiral Stefano Turchetto, commander of the European Air and Naval Operation Irini, tasked with monitoring the arms embargo on Libya.

She considered the Sahel as "the true southern border of Europe," according to the Nova news agency.

"The region is marred with various crises, including what is happening in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Chad, where armed groups are moving around, often affiliated with terrorist organizations or private mercenary companies such as the Russian Wagner Group, who are expanding their influence."

She added that the people's lives and their human rights, "which are at risk" are the foundations of the EU's integrated approach and the goal of a joint policy focusing on women and men living in the region.

For his part, Admiral Turchetto highlighted the interdependence between Libya and the Sahel, insisting that peace is their goal for Libya and the entire Sahel region.

"The operation (Irini) supports the implementation of the UN resolutions and the stability and security in the central Mediterranean, North Africa, and the Sahel," Turchetto added.