20 Feb 2013

Germany approves troops for Mali mission

9:16 am on 20 February 2013

Germany is to send up to 330 soldiers to Mali to help train the Malian army.

Up to 180 German soldiers have been earmarked for a European Union training mission, which was formally approved by EU foreign ministers in Brussels on Monday.

Forty of the German contingent will train Malian forces. Another 40 will act as medical support staff.

AAP reports the other 100 will be available to provide logistical support, dealing with water and energy supplies.

Combat troops will not be sent to Mali.