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Niger: Merkel and Issoufou discuss security and development in Niamey

Niger

German chancellor Angela Merkel visited Niger this Monday after a stop over in Mali within the framework of an African tour aimed at searching investment opportunities which Germany says could stimulate growth and development in Africa.

The German chancellor says stimulating growth in Africa will help in stemming the African migrant crisis

Apart from development, Angela Merkel says her country is ready to work on stepping up security in Niger and Mali by coming up with ways to stop smugglers who use Mali and Niger to transport migrants to Europe.

The region is also the stronghold of Islamist militants, some of whom are linked to Al-qaeda.

The Nigerien army has been struggling to battle Boko Haram jihadists in the South of the country near the Nigerian border.

Authorities in Niamey are also scared that Islamic State fighters hunted by the Libyan army might have settled in Niger.

Last week at least 22 soldiers were killed when a Malian refugee camp was attacked at Tassalit, located North of Niger.

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