Sahel region: Angela Merkel wants to give more support to Niger

Germany and Niger want to continue to cooperate intensively on subject of illegal migration to Europe. Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU) said at beginning of a meeting with President of African State, Mahamadou Issoufou, already cooperate in curbing illegal migration is excellent. Germany refore wanted to support affected regions in fight against terrorism.

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The country at edge of Sahel is one of most important transit countries for migrants who want to reach Mediterranean Sea. Germany will make an intensive effort to make Sahel region a “robust international mandate” for fight against extremists, Merkel said at meeting in Brandenburg Meseberg.

Partly through support, partly through pressure from Europe, country’s government has already made it much more difficult for migrants to travel to Libya. In return, EU has said a billion euro to 2020 for economic development.

Issoufou hopes for more direct investment

Issoufou praised cooperation on security issues and development. He recalled that since 2016, Niger has curbed number of illegal migrants by 90 percent. The terrorist organisation Boko Haram was weakened by several missions by Sahel residents, but continued to resist, he said. The president asked for a “long-term financing” of fight against terror.

Germany and EU should contribute to stabilising situation in neighbouring country of Libya. That is also in interest of his country, said Issoufou. The industrialized countries encouraged President to invest more directly.