German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, will on Wednesday tour three West African countries, paying visits to Senegal, Ghana and Nigeria.
The German Deputy Government Spokeswoman, Ulrike Demmer, said in a statement on Friday in Berlin that Merkel would spend Wednesday through Friday in the three countries, accompanied by an economic delegation. Migration politics, particularly Merkel’s campaign to tackle the causes resulting in a stream of refugees to Europe, are likely to feature on the discussion agenda, according to News Agency of Nigeria report
The statement read in part, “Merkel is to meet Wednesday afternoon with Senegalese President, Macky Sall, to discuss economic developments in the country and regional cooperation. In the evening she will meet with civil society representatives.
“Then it’s onto the Ghanaian capital of Accra to meet President, Nana Akufo-Addo, on Thursday to discuss economic affairs and foreign policy. The chancellor is also to take part in a German business-organised round table that will focus on private investment linked to the G20 “Compact with Africa” initiative.
“Finally, Merkel is to head to Nigeria on Friday to meet with the President of the Economic Alliance of the Economic Community of West African State, Jean-Claude Brou. She will hold talks with Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari.”
Merkel had on October 7, 2016 visited three African countries before hosting leaders from Chad and Nigeria for talks in Berlin, as she sought ways to stem a migrant influx to Europe.
Merkel first travelled to Mali and Nigeria before heading to Ethiopia where she was to visit the headquarters of the African Union in the capital, Addis Ababa.
Her latest talks with leaders of all three countries are to focus on migration issues and the battle against terrorism.
Punch