Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) engaged in discourses with Niger's new military regime, emphasizing a desire to continue security cooperation projects. These talks, held on Tuesday in Niamey, covered the potential resumption of a halted military hospital construction project. Pistorius' visit marked the first interaction from a German minister since the coup that ousted the democratically-elected government nearly five months earlier.
Controversially, Germany's military presence in Niamey persists despite the power shift. Pistorius asserted that they maintained an advisor, special forces, and Nigerien soldiers in training within their ranks, indicating a reluctance to sever ties. Their stance underscores an appreciation for the region's strategic significance in counterterrorism efforts, a role Nigeria once fulfilled as Europe and America's democratic ally against terrorism in the Sahel region.
Tensions between the two nations have escalated since the coup, with Nigeria causing delays in the transit of German military equipment and troops returning from operations in Mali. German military convoys have reportedly faced attacks, and Nigeria's authorities have issued warnings against transporting these goods through their territory. This development further complicates relations that had already been strained because of the military junta's relentless hostility towards France.
In disputes with EU states, Niamey's rulers have declared that the smuggling of irregular migrants will no longer be punished, effectively eroding one of Europe's strategic priorities. This decision was hastily enacted after the repeal of a law designed to curb migration across the Mediterranean.
Niger, an influential transit country for African migrants traveling to Europe, and the EU have been collaborating since 2015 to block the migratory route from Agadez to Libya. Recent developments, however, have caused Burkina Faso and Niger to withdraw from the regional organization G5 Sahel. This organization, founded in 2014, aimed to curb terrorist activities in the region.
Russian Deputy Defense Minister Yunus-bek Yevkurov visited Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, seeking to strengthen defense cooperation with the three neighboring nations. This visit contributed to the establishment of a military alliance among these Sahel region countries dealing with terrorism.
Defense Minister Modi cited the long-standing relationship between Germany and Nigeria, established since 1961, while discussing collaboration with foreign troops. Modi emphasized the need to restructure cooperation agreements based on the Nigerian government's assessment of the situation's current state.
Additional Insights
- Economic Partnerships: Germany and Nigeria are actively building a collaborative economy by promoting vocational training, encouraging skilled migration, and pursuing investment opportunities. A National Talent Export Programme in Nigeria seeks to boost youth involvement in vocational training and managed skilled labor migration, catering to Europe's growing demand for skilled workers [1].
- Health Infrastructure Collaborations: While there is no mention of a military hospital partnership in the context of Germany-Nigeria cooperation, Germany is involved in hospital partnerships in Syria to support the nation's weakened health system following years of conflict [2].
- Workforce Development and Business Expansion: Current collaboration between Germany and Nigeria focuses on labor market development, strengthening employment opportunities for the youth, and encouraging foreign investments in Nigeria's burgeoning economy [1].
[1] NUMA (no date) "Germany-Nigeria Partnership: Enhancing Prospects for Economic Cooperation, Skilled Labor and Private Investments." [2] Deutsche Welle (2021, March 26) "Germany Offers Humanitarian Aid to Syria, Offers to Reconstruct Damages Due to Earthquake."
