Germany reaches out to Africa to fight rising terrorism

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul began his third African trip of the year yesterday, with a focus on Mauritania. Germany sees the coastal West African nation as a vital ally and “pillar of stability” for reducing Islamic terrorism in the Sahel. Wadephul said, “There are … threats emanating from Africa. In particular, the Sahel region is characterized by weak state structures and a high level of terrorism. … Mauritania is a pillar of stability that we must continue to support, for our own interest. Because if those terrorist threats spread … this could naturally lead to further migration flows toward Europe.” Expect Europe to continue focusing on Africa in its attempts to fight immigration and radical Islam.