German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius alerted the parliament today, Wednesday, that "the West is incurring geopolitical losses in the strategically important Sahel region due to the growing Russian presence there." He added: "Despite significant international support, the security situation there has not improved." He continued: "It seems that Russian narratives and offers are succeeding here, and the Western community is retreating. The Sahel region is strategically important and will remain so for this very reason, especially in light of the Russian presence in the area."
Pistorius was discussing Berlin's plans to deploy troops in the European Union's military mission in Niger, which is perceived as being at risk of violence spreading from neighboring Mali. The deployment of German troops must be approved by parliament.
