German Foreign Minister Begins African Tour of Three Countries to Boost Economic and Security Cooperation

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadefoll begins a tour of Africa today, Monday, marking his third visit to the continent this year. The tour starts in Mauritania, followed by visits to Nigeria and South Africa.

This diplomatic tour comes as Germany and Europe seek to strengthen political and economic ties with African nations, amid the protectionist trade policies of U.S. President Donald Trump and a broader retreat from multilateral cooperation.

Wadefoll is also scheduled to visit the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), where discussions are expected to focus on preventing and countering extremism amid ongoing violence by armed Islamic groups across the Sahel region.