German government plans to deploy troops to Niger as part of EU mission

29/3/2023 20:01

        The German government on Wednesday paved the way for German troops' participation in a European Union military mission in Niger, a person familiar with the matter told Reuters after the cabinet decision.
        
        Germany intends to deploy up to 60 soldiers to Niger as part of an EU operation designed to support the government in Niamey in the build-up of its forces.
        The final decision about Berlin's participation lies with the German parliament, with a vote expected at the end of April.
        
        The EU decided in December to set up a three-year military mission to Niger. Some 50-100 European troops at first, and up to 300 at a later stage, are to help the country improve its logistics and infrastructure.
        
        One of the poorest countries in the world, Niger is seen as at risk of a possible spillover of violence from neighbouring Mali, where Islamist militants have been gaining ground following the withdrawal of French and other European forces.
        
        The German military had been training Niger's special forces with some 150 soldiers since 2018 but wrapped up that mission at the end of 2022.