African nations must halt migration, says Merkel

Germany will also make Africa a priority of Germany’s G20 presidency in 2017.

Merkel visited Mali, Niger and Ethiopia during a three-day tour. She promised to build a military base in Niger to support the UN peace mission in Mali, where jihadis have used a civil war to make themselves a base in the north of the country, and offered to help Ethiopia, which recently introduced a state of emergency over protests from ethnic groups, with training in peaceful conflict resolution.

Rights groups estimate some 500 protesters have been killed by government forces in the recent days.

Leading opposition figures asked the German chancellor to push Ethiopia’s government into releasing political prisoners.

Merkel stressed the importance of a ”vibrant civic society”.

Prime minister Hailemariam Desalegn said Ethiopia already hosts one of largest refugee populations in the world.

He asked for investments to support the 780,000 people that have sought refuge in his country.

Some EU leaders, including Merkel, have indicated they would like to strike Turkey-style deals with African nations, whereby they would agree to take back migrants in exchange for money and other favours, such as visa-free travel.

Migration is poised to become a key issue in Germany’s federal elections next year, where the chancellor is expected to seek a fourth term.

In the coming days, Merkel will also host leaders from Chad and Nigeria back home in Germany.