Niger to receive troops from Germany

The sending of troops to Niger has received approval from the German parliament.

A tiny EU mission that was established in December with the goal of assisting the nation in improving its logistics and infrastructure would include 60 German soldiers.

The decision by parliament in Berlin reinforces the continued commitment to a German presence in the Sahel region despite the recent withdrawal from Mali.

Niger is one of the world’s poorest countries and faces the growing threat of violence spilling over from neighbouring Mali where Islamist militants have been gaining ground following the withdrawal of French and other European forces.