German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is on a three-day tour of Senegal, Niger and South Africa – his first trip to Africa since his election. Germany is hoping to reduce its reliance on Russian energy, following the invasion of Ukraine. Germany has invited Senegal, which currently holds the rotating chairmanship of the African Union, and South Africa to attend the G7 summit it is hosting in June. Mr Scholz will visit German troops in Niger and discuss the lengthy battle against jihadists. Niger has taken on a bigger role hosting European special forces since European relations with the military junta ruling neighbouring Mali deteriorated.

Source: Daily Nation May 23, 2022 05:00 UTC