After the military deployment of the Bundeswehr in Mali is coming to an end by May 2024 at the latest, Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht (SPD) wants to continue supporting the Sahel zone in the fight against Islamist terror by doing more in neighboring Niger. During her visit to German soldiers in Gao in Mali, the SPD politician explained: “We must not leave the Sahel zone to itself.” For this reason, Germany will take part in a new military mission that has just been launched by the EU. At political talks in Niger on Friday, she wanted to find out what the new engagement could look like.
Earlier this week, the EU Council decided to support Niger in fighting “terrorist armed groups”. Together, a training center for army technicians is to be set up, advice and courses for specialists will be offered and a new battalion for secure communications will be set up. The mission is to be called “EUMPM Niger” and, according to the EU, is initially planned for a period of three years. There is talk of around 250 soldiers who will be deployed to Niger and should be fully operational by the end of 2023. According to the Defense Ministry, Germany could contribute a double-digit number of soldiers. Arrangements and planning are already underway.
The UN mission in Mali is supported from Niger
Germany has been involved militarily in Niger for years. In hardly any other African country were the armed forces so weak in terms of numbers as in Niger. Since 2010, the government has systematically pursued plans to strengthen its own army. Because the country did not see itself able to do this on its own, it approached international partners – including the USA and Canada – to help set up special forces battalions.
Germany was also asked for help and was assigned to set up the 41st Battalion. “Gazelle” is the name of the mission with currently 150 German soldiers. The Bundeswehr has been helping with training, education and equipment since 2018.
The “Gazelle” mission is considered an exception – because unlike other missions abroad, it has achieved its goal. The special forces battalion is set up and in action. Therefore, the mission will end as planned by the end of the year. However, Germany did not want to withdraw completely anyway, as cooperation with Niger is considered too important. In a follow-up mission, with a few advisers, Berlin wants to continue to support the special forces.
An air hub has also been set up in Niger, from which the UN mission in Mali is supplied with personnel and material. If soldiers become ill or wounded in Mali, they are flown out via the Niamey base. Niger will play a key role in Mali’s withdrawal plans. A large part of the material from Mali is likely to be handled via this base.