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Merkel calls on African Union to help solve Libya conflict

German chancellor Angela Merkel speaks with Nigerian President Mahamadou Issoufou upon her arrival in Niamey, Niger October 10, 2016. REUTERS/Tagaza Djibo

ADDIS ABABA (Reuters) - German Chancellor Angela Merkel, on a trip to Ethiopia, said she wanted the African Union to get involved in trying to solve the conflict in Libya. "I am expressly in favour of the African Union bringing its influence to bear to help solve the conflict," Merkel said in a speech to the African Union, adding Libya had become a "sad example" of the consequences of state structures collapsing. She also said that African states had to increase their efforts in fighting Islamist militants and illegal migration, adding they needed to introduce democratic and economic reforms to undermine terrorist activity. She also said she would make Africa a priority for Germany's G20 presidency next year. (Reporting by Andreas Rinke; Writing by Madeline Chambers; Editing by Michael Nienaber)