Germany Arms Niger Against Traffickers and Terrorists

Germany Arms Niger Against Traffickers and Terrorists

German defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen meets Niger’s defence Minister Kalla Moutari during a visit of the future G5 sahel forces base in Niamey on July 31, 2017.

BOUREIMA HAMA/AFP/Getty Images

Europe is getting more involved in the battle over West Africa.

By Josué Michels • August 3

North Africa has been one of Germany’s primary focuses in recent years. It has nearly 1,000 soldiers stationed in Mali, where it helps train Mali’s army and police forces, and plays a major role in the United Nation’s most dangerous mission. It is also building military partnerships with other powers in the region.

“Germany sees itself as a close partner of Niger and the entire Sahel region in the fight against terrorism, organized crime and human trafficking,” German Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen said during her visit to Niger on July 31 (Trumpet translation).

Niger’s inadequate security has allowed terrorists and traffickers to flourish. It is on the main route for refugees to enter Europe. Thus Germany wants to arm Niger.

An estimated 80 percent of all the refugees and migrants from West Africa that make their way to Europe travel through Niger. Due to the refugee crisis, Europe has an increased urgency to solve the problems on the African continent. During her visit to Niamey, Defense Minister von der Leyen brought 100 flatbed trucks, 115 motorcycles and 55 satellite telephones for the police and army.

Nigerien Interior Minister Mohamed Bazoum said that Niger will use the vehicles to counter terrorism, cross-border crime and smugglers in the Agadez region.

During the same trip, von der Leyen also promised her support for France’s push to support a new multinational military force: the G5 Sahel. The group fights Islamist militants in Africa’s Sahel region, Reuters reported. She and her French counterpart, Florence Parly, believe that the Sahel force is West Africa’s best hope for defeating the militants.

The G5 Sahel is a joint force of troops from Mali, Mauritania, Burkina Faso, Niger and Chad. The five nations requested European financial aid earlier this year to support their mission. Along with France, Germany now also agreed to support them.

Germany has a keen interest in fighting the spread of terrorism in Africa. It does not only make Europe more safe, but it also gives Germany the upper hand in the region. Before terrorism spreads all over northern Africa, Trumpet editor in chief Gerald Flurry noted that Germany will defend its interest in the continent:

Who is ultimately behind all these terrorist attacks? The king of the south—Iran. But it is being opposed now by Germany on many fronts. You are going to see these two powers clash very soon—like a year or two or three. The Daniel 11:40 clash between the king of the south and the king of the north is about to be fulfilled! All of this violence in Africa is just a prelude to the fulfillment of this prophecy.

Monitor these events closely and see if what we’re telling you doesn’t come to pass. So many prophecies already have. Never in mankind’s history has so much prophecy been fulfilled so rapidly! Events are racing along. This is not the world you knew 10 or even five years ago. It’s very different.

Mr. Flurry wrote this in 2013 in his article “Watch Algeria!” And he challenged all readers to watch Africa for an increased German presence. Germany’s support for Niger, along with other developments of late, have proved this forecast right.