(11 Oct 2016) Germany can build a military logistics base in Niger as it seeks to strengthen the fight against extremism in the West African country and in neighbouring Mali, Niger's president said on Monday.
President Mahamadou Issoufou spoke alongside German Chancellor Angela Merkel on the second leg of the European leader's three-nation African visit.
"Fixing the security problem in Mali, it is contributing to solving the security issue here in Nigeria," Issoufou said at a press conference.
"Naturally Niger has agreed to provide facilities to Germany here for a logistics centre to help supply the 650 men contingent Germany has sent to Mali."
Germany has about 650 troops supporting the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Mali.
"I t is very important that Niger has the legal framework to fight human traffickers also the legal instruments. The president just explained me once again the close connection between drug smuggling, weapons smuggling and human trafficking. All these finance each other, it is quite a complex challenge that we have to address," Merkel said.
Niger is a major transit point for African migrants making their way north toward Europe.
On Thursday, Merkel said in a speech to Germany's main industry lobby group that some 90 percent of the migrants who reach the Libyan coast come through Niger.
Libya has been a launching point for thousands of migrants setting off toward Europe on often deadly voyages across the Mediterranean.
Niger's president welcomed Germany's cooperation in economic and social development, saying it is the best way to stem illegal migration.
Merkel visits Ethiopia on Tuesday.


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