German foreign minister to visit Djibouti, Kenya and South Sudan

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock plans to visit the East African countries of Djibouti, Kenya and South Sudan beginning on Wednesday.

The war in Sudan is likely to loom over Baerbock's diplomatic visit, with discussions expected to focus on how to better coordinate international mediation efforts and increase pressure on both sides, according to a spokeswoman for Germany's Foreign Office on Monday.

All three countries that Baerbock will visit have played a prominent role in the diplomatic efforts to end the fighting in Sudan.

A bloody power struggle in Sudan broke out in mid-April between the de facto head of state, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and his former deputy Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, who leads the Sudanese RSF militia group.

According to UN figures, more than 7 million people have fled since the conflict began.

The security of the sea routes in the Red Sea will also play a role in Baerbock's discussions in Djibouti, the spokeswoman added.

The European Union has been discussing a mission to secure shipping in the Red Sea for weeks. According to the plans, warships from EU countries are to be deployed to protect freighters.

Government sources have told dpa that Germany plans to send the frigate Hessen as part of the mission, but would need a mandate from parliament in order to participate.