Bamako, 09.10.16: The Chancellor is to visit three countries on her trip to Africa. Mali is the fist stop, followed by Niger and Ethiopia.
A warm welcome at Bamako Airport
President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita welcomes the Chancellor with military honours.
The recurrent theme of the Chancellor's trip is cooperation on migration policy. The three countries are key within the framework of the EU's migration partnerships.
This is the first time a German Chancellor has visited the West African state.
Chancellor Angela Merkel promised the President that Germany would continue to support his country in the fight against drug smuggling and human trafficking.
Angela Merkel said Germany would like to help stabilise Mali.
During a visit, the Chancellor thanked the German soldiers stationed in Mali as part of the UN's MINUSMA peace mission.
Niamey, 10.10.16: In the Niger too the Chancellor was given a typical welcome.
The President of the Republic of the Niger, Issoufou Mahamadou (at right) greeted the Chancellor at the airport.
The Niger is one of the main transit countries for migrants from other parts of Africa.