Niger hails military ties with Germany on Scholz tour

Niger’s President Mohamed Bazoum has hailed military co-operation with Germany as a blueprint for other countries, following a meeting in the capital, Niamey, with the visiting German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

Mr Bazoum welcomed Germany’s decision to extend an operation to train Niger’s special forces to combat jihadists.

Mr Scholz met soldiers stationed in the west of the country and said the security situation was serious.

Niger has taken on a bigger role hosting European special forces following the deterioration of relations with the military junta in neighbouring Mali.

The German chancellor is on a three-day visit to Africa which includes Senegal, Niger and South Africa.