BERLIN: Germany is expediting the withdrawal of its troops from Mali, where it has deployed approximately 1,000 soldiers, with the aim of completing the process by May 2024.
As the United Nations (UN) peacekeeping mission in Mali concludes on June 30, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has expressed the desire to bring back German troops more rapidly while ensuring a smooth transition.
The majority of German soldiers were stationed near the northern town of Gao, where their primary role involved gathering reconnaissance for the UN peacekeeping mission known as MINUSMA. However, Mali’s Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop surprised many on June 16 when he called for the immediate withdrawal of the UN mission, citing its perceived failure.
The UN’s Minusma mission, which was the most costly operation in the organization’s portfolio at $1.2 billion per year, is now poised to wind down, leaving Mali—a country grappling with jihadist attacks—facing an uncertain future. Just a few weeks ago, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized the mission’s continued importance, despite its high cost, due to concerns over the potential expansion of extremist groups if the mission were to end.
UN Peacekeeping Mission in Mali
However, the principle of consent from the host country is a crucial element in peacekeeping operations. In light of this, France presented a recent draft resolution suggesting that the UN Security Council will “terminate Minusma’s mandate under resolution 2640 (2022) as of June 30, 2023.” The resolution further states that Minusma will cease its activities on July 1, focusing on the withdrawal process, with the goal of completing the mission by December 31, 2023.
Germany’s decision to expedite the withdrawal aligns with the changing circumstances on the ground and the evolving dynamics in Mali. The country continues to grapple with security challenges posed by jihadist groups, and the withdrawal of the UN mission will significantly impact the security landscape.
