Scholz pledges long-term support to Niger in fight against Islamist militants
German chancellor considers extending mission of Bundeswehr training Nigerian special forces near Malian border
23 May 2022 - 20:21
by Andreas Rinke
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German Chancellor Olaf Scholz inspects the base of the German armed forces in Tillia, Niger, May 23 2022. Picture: ANDREAS RINKE
Niamey — German Chancellor Olaf Scholz promised Niger long-term military and financial support to fight Islamist insurgents across West Africa, during a visit on Monday on his inaugural Africa tour.
Niger has taken on a bigger role hosting European special forces since the deterioration of relations between Western powers and the military junta ruling neighbouring Mali.
Scholz visited 180 soldiers from the German Bundeswehr army training Nigerian special forces at a military camp in Tillia about 80km from the Malian border. He described the Bundeswehr’s training mission in the West African nation as a success.
The mission, which started in 2018, is due to end this year. “Now it will be a matter for us to identify a good follow-up project,” Scholz said later in the day during a press conference with Niger President Mohamed Bazoum.
Officials say Germany has been expanding its co-operation with Niger since 2015, partly because of the militant threat and partly because of the routes that take migrants across the West African country’s territory towards Europe.
The Bundeswehr remains part of the UN peacekeeping mission in Mali, and the Bundestag lower house of parliament voted on Friday to increase the maximum number of troops there to 14,000 from 1,100 after France’s withdrawal.
Scholz visited Senegal on Sunday and was due to fly to SA on Monday evening for the final leg of his tour. President Cyril Ramaphosa will host Scholz in Tshwane.
Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
Scholz pledges long-term support to Niger in fight against Islamist militants
German chancellor considers extending mission of Bundeswehr training Nigerian special forces near Malian border
Niamey — German Chancellor Olaf Scholz promised Niger long-term military and financial support to fight Islamist insurgents across West Africa, during a visit on Monday on his inaugural Africa tour.
Niger has taken on a bigger role hosting European special forces since the deterioration of relations between Western powers and the military junta ruling neighbouring Mali.
Scholz visited 180 soldiers from the German Bundeswehr army training Nigerian special forces at a military camp in Tillia about 80km from the Malian border. He described the Bundeswehr’s training mission in the West African nation as a success.
The mission, which started in 2018, is due to end this year. “Now it will be a matter for us to identify a good follow-up project,” Scholz said later in the day during a press conference with Niger President Mohamed Bazoum.
Officials say Germany has been expanding its co-operation with Niger since 2015, partly because of the militant threat and partly because of the routes that take migrants across the West African country’s territory towards Europe.
The Bundeswehr remains part of the UN peacekeeping mission in Mali, and the Bundestag lower house of parliament voted on Friday to increase the maximum number of troops there to 14,000 from 1,100 after France’s withdrawal.
Scholz visited Senegal on Sunday and was due to fly to SA on Monday evening for the final leg of his tour. President Cyril Ramaphosa will host Scholz in Tshwane.
Reuters
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