The EU approves 40 million to strengthen the Niger Army

BRUSSELS, 7 Mar. (EUROPA PRESS) –

The Member States of the European Union have adopted this Tuesday a package of 40 million euros to support the Armed Forces of Niger, a country where the bloc has approved a recent military cooperation mission of logistical support and advice to increase the capacity to contain the terrorist threat.

This aid under the European Peace Mechanism seeks to strengthen the military capabilities of the Nigerien Army to defend the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Niger and better protect the civilian population against the growing terrorist threat.

The funds will support the creation of a new battalion in the Tillabéry region of western Niger through the provision of non-lethal equipment such as mobility, surveillance, communication and technology assets.

The first phase of the mission in Niger is made up of only a few dozen military advisers, a deployment that may increase in subsequent phases but without exceeding one hundred troops. Italy, Greece, Germany, France and Romania, apart from Spain, plan to participate initially with military observers.

“With this assistance we are further strengthening our partnership with Niger. This is in line with our commitment to do more with partners committed to working with us,” said the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Policy, Josep Borrell.

As the head of European diplomacy has defended, this package and the military association mission “will contribute to the autonomy of the Niger Armed Forces in the long term.”