NAIROBI: The United Nations (UN) is set to conclude its decade-long peacekeeping mission in Mali on June 30, as stated in a draft Security Council resolution proposed by France, Reuters reported.
The withdrawal of the 13,000-strong mission, known as MINUSMA, comes after Mali’s Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop recently demanded the force to leave “without delay,” exacerbating existing tensions between the UN and Mali’s military junta.
The sudden termination of the mission poses potential risks, as MINUSMA has played a crucial role in safeguarding civilians against the insurgency that has claimed thousands of lives. Concerns mount over the security situation worsening once the mission departs, leaving Mali’s under-equipped army to confront militants who control vast territories in the northern and central desert regions. Complicating matters further, Russia’s Wagner mercenary group, with approximately 1,000 fighters, has aligned with Mali since 2021, raising doubts about their effectiveness.
Wagner’s activities have faced scrutiny following a recent failed mutiny staged by the group in Russia. Yevgeny Prigozhin, the group’s leader, has claimed permission to operate from Belarus. The withdrawal of MINUSMA could potentially leave Mali vulnerable to increased violence and further territorial gains by militant groups.
UN Personnel Will Remain in Mali Until End of Year
According to the draft resolution, while U.N. personnel will remain in Mali until the end of the year to facilitate a transition, MINUSMA activities will be significantly reduced, including key support provided to Malian soldiers. The resolution states that MINUSMA’s mandate will be terminated as of June 30, 2023, and the mission will continue to maintain personnel until December 31, 2023, to execute the cessation of operations and transfer of responsibilities.
The draft resolution has been confirmed by two U.N. officials and a security expert. Although slight modifications may still be made before publication, sources indicate that no significant changes are expected. The Security Council is scheduled to vote on the resolution on Thursday, requiring a minimum of nine votes in favor and no vetoes from Russia, China, the United States, Britain, or France.
MINUSMA, established in 2013 following the occupation of northern Mali by separatist rebels and al Qaeda-affiliated insurgents, has become the United Nations’ deadliest ongoing combat mission, with over 170 peacekeepers losing their lives in the line of duty. The force has faced criticism from Mali’s military leadership and civilians for perceived inadequacies in addressing the ongoing violence. Restrictions on troop and aircraft movements have impeded the mission’s ability to fulfill its mandate, including investigating allegations of human rights abuses by Wagner and the Malian army.
While some African nations expressed a desire for MINUSMA to remain and increase its troop presence, Mali’s request for the force to leave came as a surprise. MINUSMA has been instrumental in protecting cities like Gao and Timbuktu from militant groups, facilitating medical evacuations for Malian soldiers, coordinating talks between rival armed groups, and aiding in the delivery of humanitarian assistance.
Under the proposed resolution, MINUSMA’s operations would primarily focus on providing security for U.N. personnel, facilities, and convoys. The mission would retain the ability to respond to imminent threats against civilians and contribute to the safe delivery of humanitarian aid, with permission from Malian authorities.
