Merkel calls for an end to migrants smuggling and slavery

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has called for an end to smuggling and slavery while creating a legal route for Africans into Europe.

Merkel, who is facing pressure at home to tackle the influx of migrants, has emphasised the need for European Union countries to fight with Africa against illegal migration.

Smugglers shuttle refugees across sub-Saharan Africa to reach Libya, from there migrants travel to Europe via the Mediterranean Sea.

Libya is now the main departure point for mostly African migrants trying to cross to Europe.

Smugglers usually pack them into flimsy inflatable boats that often break down or sink.

Merkel says the influx of more than a million migrants since mid-2015, into Germany was largely to blame for the rise of the anti-immigrant

“The topic of illegal immigration plays a role all over the African continent now, because there are reports that young African men are being sold like slaves in Libya and that is why this topic has a high emotional significance here. Consequently, there is a common interest to end illegal immigration and instead create legal opportunities for Africans, like studying or training in the EU.”

Merkel says the EU should work together with the AU to end illegal migration.

“But it is very important that we support the Africans against illegal immigration and prevent people being held in camps in Libya or even being traded … the Africans are rightly outraged by this and so am I. That is why we have a common objective that will certainly play a role at this conference.”

On Tuesday night, France President Emmanuel Macron told university students during a wide-ranging speech in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso that he would give details of his rescue proposal at the three-day EU-African Union summit.

Macron says Africa and Europe must help populations trapped in Libya by providing massive support to the evacuation of endangered people.

Simultaneously, Burkina Faso recalled its ambassador from Libya, saying it was unacceptable to have slaves in this 21st century.

Related video click below: