Niger
German Chancellor Angela Merkel has pledged a € 27 million ($30.1 million) support to Niger to boost its military and contribute to the development of the north which is a target of attacks from armed groups.
During a visit to the country on Monday, Chancellor Merkel said her country will make the investment within the next year.
“We will invest 10 million euros (military equipment, Ed) in the next year. We will also participate in the EuCAP mission, which aims to train the police forces (including in the war against the jihadists, Ed)” she said.
Merkel also allocated 17 million euros to the development of the region of Agadez (north) hoping to fight against migration and trafficking.
“What compensation can we offer people in the Agadez region than to help them live? When people fight smugglers, illegal emigration, they need an income,” she added.
Agadez is considered an important hub for illegal immigration.
Merkel was in Bamako on Sunday where she stressed the need to combine military support and development assistance to build the region while the fight against jihadists continues.
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