In Niger, Scholz vows to support fight against Islamist militants

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz inspects the base of the German armed forces in Tillia, Niger May 23, 2022. REUTERS/Andreas Rinke

NIAMEY (Reuters) - German Chancellor Olaf Scholz promised Niger long-term military and financial support to fight Islamist insurgents across West Africa, during a visit on Monday on his inaugural Africa tour.

Niger has taken on a bigger role hosting European special forces since the deterioration of relations between Western powers and the military junta ruling neighbouring Mali.