French FM in Niger under auspices of anti-Boko Haram war
NIAMEY, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- France's Foreign Minister (FM)Laurent Fabius arrived in Niger on Sunday to reiterate France'ssupport in the fight against Boko Haram terrorist group.
Shortly after arriving in the Nigerien capital, Fabius heldtalks with Nigerien President Mahamadou Issoufou at thePresidential Palace.
The visit comes after Friday's attack by Boko Harama on theNigerien locality of Karanga, near the border with Nigeria whereseven Nigerien soldiers were killed and five others are stillmissing. About 15 terrorists were killed.
It should be recalled that some French soldiers have beendeployed alongside Nigerien troops to fight against Boko Haram inNiger's southeast region.
Fabius is in Niamey on one hand to reassure Niger of France'ssupport and on the other, as part of his country's campaign to pushfor a UN donors' conference to help countries that have beenattacked by Boko Haram.
Since Feb. 6, 2015, Nigerien localities of Bosso and Diffa havecome under heavy attacks from Boko Haram, carried out from thegroup's position in Nigeria.
The attacks have left at least 15 Nigerien soldiers dead, while280 Boko Haram fighters were killed. At the same time, about 160sect members were arrested. Enditem
