Germany keen to continue to bolster defense cooperation with Niger

Germany’s Defense minister Boris Pistorius announced Tuesday December 19 Berlin’s keenness to continue and bolster military cooperation with Niger now ruled by a junta that ousted West-backed leader Mohamed Bazoum.
The German State official had talks Tuesday in capital Niamey with Niger’s top Army commanders including Salifou Mody, the Chief of Staff of the Army.
Niger’s Defense ministry in a statement indicated that the talks revolved around the relaunch of military cooperation” between the West African country and the Federal Republic of Germany”.
In March 2023, it was reported that the European country was considering sending military forces to Niger as part of a European Union (EU) Mission officially aimed at supporting the African country in the military field.
The 60-soldier force was waiting for final Parliament approval in April 2023. EUMPM Niger is tasked to help the African nation enhance its military logistics and infrastructure and contribute to the country’s military capacity to combat terrorism over a three-year period. Germany’s commitment to bolster defense cooperation comes as France is on the verge of withdrawing militarily and completely from Niger at the demand of the new authorities.