German Chancellor Angela Merkel has offered Berlin’s support in Niger’s “battle against terrorism” as Niger called for more European assistance.
Niger’s President Mahamadou Issoufou, in the German capital for talks with Merkel, said more help was needed in the fight against illegal immigration, education, security, local administrative infrastructures and healthcare.
“The solutions of the problems which lead to illegal immigration are of course connected to the creation of employment opportunities, especially for young people. And to be able to o create employment opportunities, especially for young people, we need significant investment. Not just in agriculture but also in our industry.”
Many African immigrants and refugees get to Libya via Niger and from there attempt the crossing over the Mediterranean to Europe. Germany, France, Italy and the EU have been providing assistance to Niger since 2016.
“Germany and Europe can play a significant role in helping to find solutions to the crisis in Libya,” the Niger leader said.
“A quick solution is needed to this crisis which is in our interests but also in the interests of Europe as the way it is now is contributing to Libya being a country that is being used for illegal immigration which is a problem for Europe.”
Merkel meanwhile praised the efforts of Niger and promised increased aid.
“Niger is not only fighting against terrorist forces coming from Mali but also a neighbouring country of the Chad lake region… We will also support you that you get a robust international mandate to continue this fight and from 2019 Germany will be on the UN Security Council and we will try to work with you together to find political solutions for Libya but also in your fight against terrorism.”
