European powers are desperate to stem the flow of African migrants crossing the Mediterranean and are spooked by increased militant jihadism across the Sahel region. This has spurred the move by the United Kingdom and Italy to increase their military presence in Africa’s Sahel region.
The UK is set to send helicopters to reinforce a key French Counter-terrorism operation in Mali. UK Prime minister Theresa May will send three Chinook helicopters, including up to 100 troops, to Mali, to help French forces as they combat extremism in the ‘ungoverned spaces’ in the region. The reinforcement will focus on the tri-border area of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso where the jihadists have managed to flourish and create an enclave.
Additionally, in a different part of Europe, the Italian Parliament has approved an upgraded military presence in Niger by agreeing to send an initial 120 troops with 350 more to follow as Rome looks to stem migration and people-trafficking of African migrants.
The move was announced ahead of a joint summit between the UK and France at Sandhurst military academy to announce a new era of greater cross-Channel security co-operation.
Britain is also expected to allocate £50 million (56 million euros, $69 million) of additional aid for those affected by epidemics, natural disasters, and conflict across West Africa.
