A new concept for Africa: Germany aims at the troops
Bundeskanzleramt Berlin (cc-by-sa)
Germany shapes a new political approach towards Africa. A strategy paper describes the neighbouring region as a “continent on the rise”. The plan emphasizes the idea of empowering, but reveals old lacks of perception.
The German Bundeskabinett – the chief executive body of the biggest economic power in Europe – has presented its new official strategy concerning the relationsships between Germany and 55 different countries on the African continent.
The main goal is obvious: Security. The government in Berlin wants to avoid future demands for massive military involvement by assisting local military capacities on an early stage. “Africa has changed”, explains foreign minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier.
On our neighboring continent many good developments like growing prosperity and successful regional cooperation have – as well as conflict and terrorism, such as migratory pressures and political instability – immediately consequences for us in Europe. (Steinmeier, Auswärtiges Amt 2014)
Actively Germany would like to support African training institutions with military and police trainers and the establishment of a police unit of the African Union (AU). (Auswärtiges Amt 2014)
