The Bundestag must decide how long the Bundeswehr should be present in the crisis-ridden country of Mali. Finance Minister Lindner is now getting an idea of the mission in Gao.
Federal Minister of Finance and FDP leader Christian Lindner sees for himself on the spot before decisions are made about a further mandate for the deployment of the Bundeswehr in Mali. “The stability of West Africa is of great importance for the security of Europe. However, it is crucial for success that our commitment is supported by the government in Bamako,” said Lindner, who also visited the UN military camp on the outskirts of the city of Gao on Thursday.
More than 1,100 men and women from the Bundeswehr are currently deployed in Mali as blue helmets for the UN mission Minusma to help stabilize the country. The federal government had decided to withdraw in November, but made their stay until May 2024 dependent on the government that came to power with a coup not preventing the German blue helmets from using reconnaissance drones for longer periods of time.
Government circles in Berlin said on Thursday that the Malian authorities had issued three outstanding flight permits for medical rescue flights (“medevac”) and passenger transport in February.
Talks on African debt announced
Lindner said that the federal government bears a great deal of responsibility for the soldiers on deployment. And: “I think it’s our duty to keep ourselves regularly informed and to talk to the troops on site. Anyone who is on duty far from home must be sure of the backing and recognition of the government and the whole country.”
During his trip, Lindner also finds out about the economic and development-political situation. “The financial stability of low-income and developing countries is sometimes at risk. This has an impact on the humanitarian situation, social peace and political development,” he said. That is why he initiated direct talks between the finance ministers of the G7 and African countries for the first time at the meeting of the IMF and the World Bank last autumn.
“We will continue talks in Ghana on how we can find solutions to the debt situation in order to prevent humanitarian suffering, ensure international financial stability and offer economic prospects,” said Lindner. “The reports of multiple crises overshadow the fact that positive economic developments are taking place in both countries. Young, dynamic entrepreneurs are setting out to build something. I would like to find out how Germany can continue to support this, for example through the G20 Compact with Africa .”
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
