German Chancellor Angela Merkel pledges aid to Burkina Faso
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}German Chancellor Angela Merkel has pledged 46 million euros ($51 million) to help Burkina Faso fight Islamic extremism.
Merkel, who is on a three-nation tour in West Africa this week, made the announcement late Wednesday. While in the capital of Ouagadougou, she attended a summit with presidents from the countries making up the G5 Sahel — Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Niger.
Burkina Faso's security situation has rapidly deteriorated over the past several years, particularly along the volatile northern border with Mali.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}After her visit to Ouagadougou Merkel plans to visit German soldiers who are stationed in Gao, Mali, as part of the U.N. peacekeeping mission there. She also plans to visit Niger during the trip.